DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Tuesday urged local government officials to integrate the use of hazard maps in decision-making to avert disasters and protect lives and livelihoods.
Recalling the incidence of an earlier landslide in the area back in 2008, Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the significance of recognizing data-driven indicators for early warning and action. Yulo-Loyzaga likewise acknowledged the importance of local government unit leadership in early action guided by hazard maps. She underscored that early warning should lead to early action.
To facilitate early disaster readiness actions and promote science-based decision-making, especially in highly vulnerable areas, the DENR, through its Mines and Geosciences Bureau , continues to update the distributed hazard maps and conduct information, education, and communication campaigns.This incident highlights the cooperation between DENR and the Philippine Space Agency. The timely sharing and processing of information can aid LGUs in conducting thorough disaster risk reduction measures.