UP NOAH in Building Resilient Philippines; Multi-hazard and Risk Mapping for the Future

Abstract

University of the Philippines’ Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP NOAH) Center is a nationwide disaster management program that aims to improve the government and the Filipino people’s capacity to respond against the impact and effect of extreme weather conditions. NOAH is undertaking advanced disaster science research, comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment of hazards while also developing accessible tools that enable local government units, community leaders, policy makers, planners, families, and individuals to prevent and mitigate disasters.UP NOAH’s initiatives on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) have continually built individual and institutional capacities and resilience using multidisciplinary research and risk assessment. With the completion of its three component projects (flood, landslide, and storm surge hazards mapping) last December 2015, UP NOAH proceeded to its next step in innovation: From hazard mapping to risk mapping. This is to even more enhance the disaster mitigation plans of communities in the Philippines.Embracing and taking advantage of information communication technology, the content of this user-generated mapping data are indeed vital in DRRM.Using the existing tools, techniques, and innovations of UP NOAH, a community-based adaptation fit for all levels of practitioners was introduced through Integrated Scenario-based Assessments of Impacts and Hazards (ISAIAH). The project helped enhance the knowledge of policymakers on areas that are safe for habitation as well as those that are suitable for long-term development.ISAIAH highlighted the emphasis of DRRM on strengthening preparedness and building stronger community resilience through persistent and constant information, education, and communication campaign using the internet and social media, as well as continuous personal visits to local communities where mapping workshops were conducted.This is essential as it recognized the actions needed to address the underlying reasons of disaster risk: poor urban planning among other man-made factors. In this way, adapting to the challenges of climate change in addition to DRR is given emphasis to help prevent significant loss of lives wrought by future disasters.