Geocon 2018 is this year’s annual geological convention by the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) with the theme “Building the Country, Securing the Future: The Role of Filipino Geoscientists”. It was held last December 11-12, 2018 at the Manila Hotel where more than 900 participants from the private and government sector, and the academe gathered together.

Along with other PHIVOLCS researchers, four geologists of GeoRiskPH namely, Mabelline Cahulogan, Margarita Andrea Mahor, Ynna Patricia Aquino, and John Harold Tabuzo, presented posters about the accomplishments of the project for the past 4 months and future works of GeoRiskPH. The posters are entitled, “Geospatial Information, Systems and Technologies for Efficient Hazard and Risk Assessments”, “Standardization of Philippine Geospatial Data for the GeoRiskPH System: An Assessment of Existing Exposure Data”, “Significance of Polygon-based Approach to Hazard Assessment of Schools and Health Facilities: Building an Accurate Critical Facilities Database”, and “A GIS-based Comparative Study Using ArcGIS and CARA-GIS Methodologies in Determining Exposure to Natural Hazards of Provinces and Road Networks in the Philippines”.

The posters focused mainly on the overview of the GeoRiskPH project, the data cleansing methods needed for the standardization of geospatial data, the significance of using polygonal representation of facilities in hazard assessment, and a side-by-side comparison of the Central American Risk Analysis-GIS (CARA-GIS) and ArcGIS methodologies. The results from these researches will be utilized in preparing and standardizing the geospatial data to be uploaded in the GeoRiskPH database systems, including the development of the national exposure database. Through collaborations with government agencies, the project will develop protocols for input, access and use of information contained in the system.

GeoRiskPH is an initiative that can help support the strengthening of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, which is a powerful instrument to harmonize the country’s geospatial data. This year, GeoRiskPH has focused collaboration with MGB, PAGASA & NAMRIA and concentrated dealing with typology and projection corrections of basemaps and earthquake, volcanic and hydro-meteorologic hazards. Prototype of the GeoRiskPH system was developed, along with related web-based application for PHIVOLCS’ hazard assessment services. A data dictionary was also produced to standardize codes for input into the system. GeoRiskPH may offer support or develop web-based geospatial applications or tools for national government agencies to facilitate access of information to and from GeoRiskPH. In the coming years, government stakeholders may be ensured quality data, simply by accessing accurate and up-to-date government information through the GeoRiskPH system.

The GeoRiskPH, or the Geospatial Information Management and Analysis Project for Hazards and Risk Assessment in the Philippines, is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Grant-in-Aid and is being monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).