PHIVOLCS conducted a REDAS training entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into the Local Development Planning Process, Contingency Planning, And Emergency Preparedness Through the Use of REDAS Software for The Province of Batangas – Modules 1-3: Basic REDAS and Seismic Hazard Assessment Module, Developing Relational Database in REDAS and REDAS Exposure Database Development” last September 23-27, 2024 at 3rd Floor Dalubhasaan Bldg. Batangas PDRRMO, Batangas City, Batangas.  This is the second batch of REDAS training organized by the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) for the last two years and the selected participants were from the municipalities/cities of Batangas that were unable to attend the 2023 REDAS Training.

The training was preceded by a pre-training session through the Zoom platform on September 19, 2024, to teach the participants the installation and configuration of the REDAS, SRM, and QGIS tools. A total of 31 participants joined the training: Batangas PLGU (7): PDRRMO (2), PGENRO (1), PEO (1), PASSO (1), PPDO (1), PROVET (1); Batangas LGUs (20): Agoncillo (1), Alitagtag (1), Balete (2), Calaca City (1), Cuenca (1), Lian (1), Lobo (1), Mabini (1), Malvar (1), Mataasnakahoy (1), Nasugbu (1), Padre Garcia (1), San Luis (1), San Pascual (1), Santa Teresita (1), Taal (1), Taysan (2), Tuy (1); Batangas State University (1), and guest participants from Alcala, Pangasinan (2), and Quezon Province (1).

The first two days of the training focused on the Exposure Database Development Module (Module 3) using REDAS EDM 3.5 and REDAS EDM GeoMapperPH. A series of lectures on Philippine Building Typology and Attributes in the REDAS EDM 3.5 were discussed to understand the contents of the tool. Afterwards, a seatwork was conducted wherein the participants were asked to survey a structure in Batangas City using the introduced survey tools. And then, the REDAS MapDig was taught for developing crop exposure data. 

On the third day, the training shifted focus to understanding the capabilities of REDAS 4.1 software in monitoring earthquakes and tsunamis, plotting earthquake catalogues and focal mechanisms, and seismic hazard assessment. As part of the requirement in the training and to test their understanding of the tool, an exercise was conducted where the participants produced a simulated PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) map of the 2017 magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Mabini, Batangas, using REDAS.

During the fourth day, the REDAS Flood Loss Assessment Tool (FloAT) was lectured to the participants by Mr. Julius Vincent P. Umali from DENR-MGB.  This tool can calculate the impacts from floods using the building survey data as exposure input. For the afternoon session, the Satellite Rainfall Monitor (SRM) tool was discussed to the participants with preparatory lectures on Understanding Weather Hazards and SRM Data Acquisition presented by PAGASA speakers Sharon Juliet Arruejo and Bernard Punzalan II. Lastly, the REDAS CropDaT (Crop Damage Assessment Tool), a tool that can calculate impacts of crops from flood and tsunami hazards, was taught to the participants using rice and corn polygons they digitized in Batangas.

On the fifth day, the participants learned other features of REDAS, such as Barangay Intensity Simulation and Tsunami Evaluation during Occurrence of Strong Earthquake Events. The computation of impacts from the worst-case scenario earthquakes or the “Big Ones” in Batangas was also presented on this day. A workshop with key question on resource matching between Big Ones and the province’s current resources was also conducted.  The training was a success, as 71% of the participants were very satisfied and 29% were satisfied based on the evaluation form. The training commenced with the closing message of the Batangas governor, Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas, and the distribution of certificates.

DOST-PHIVOLCS in partnership with the City Government of Iligan and MSU-IIT conducted the REDAS Module 4 Training last June 20 via Zoom platform and June 24-28, 2024 via face-to-face training modality at New CASS Building, MSU-IIT Iligan City Campus. The training entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into the Local Development, Contingency, and Emergency Preparedness Planning Process through the Use of REDAS Software for Iligan City” was headed by PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, Associate Scientist and REDAS Program Coordinator Dr. Maria Leonila P. Bautista, and REDAS Course Advisers Dr. Bartolome C. Bautista, Ishmael C. Narag, and Engr. Angelito G. Lanuza. The lectures and hands-on exercises were discussed by speakers and facilitators from PHIVOLCS and a guest speaker from MGB.
The five-day training was preceded by a pre-training orientation conducted on June 20 to wherein REDAS tools were installed: REDAS EDM 3.4, MapDig 1, CropDat 1.5 and FLoAT 1.6. A total of 76 REDAS and SRM license keys were issued to the participants. The participants were from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology and Iligan City government offices namely, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Environment Management Office, City Planning and Development Office, Office of the City Building’s Official, City Agricultural Office, City Engineering Office, and guest participants from Tagum City LGU, UEP-Laoang Campus, Office of Civil Defense - Region X, Department of the Interior and Local Government - Region X.
The first day of the face-to-face training was graced by Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao who gave his welcome remarks. Director Teresito C. Bacolcol also gave his Opening Remarks live via Zoom platform on the same day.

The Day 1 of the training was dedicated to Familiarization of REDAS features. Participants were immersed in lectures and hands-on such as Earthquake and Earthquake Hazards, Earthquake Catalogue and Focal Mechanism Solutions. The second and third day of the training were dedicated to Earthquake Hazard Simulation and REDAS Exposure Database Module using REDAS EDM 3.4 and MapDig 1.0. Fieldwork was conducted at Brgy. San Miguel where a total of 27 building structures were completely surveyed during the training.

The hands-on on REDAS Flood Loss Assessment Tool (FLoAT) was preceded by a lecture on Flood Hazard by Julius Umali of MGB.  REDAS FLoAT is used to calculate impacts on individual structures due to floods.  The exposure database used for impact computation was the survey data collected by the participants on Day 2.

The fourth day (June 27) of the training focused on Earthquake Impact Assessment where the participants had a firsthand experience in calculating the impacts of their Big One: 1955 Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake along the Lanao Fault System using REDAS SHAke.

The concluding day (June 28) of the five-day training was spent on consolidating all learnings during the training via a way forward discussions. The Iligan City LGU committed to the continuation of exposure database development for both buildings and crops. A total of 38 participants graduated from the training course and it ended with a message from the Director of MSU-IIT Center for Resiliency, Dr. Peter D. Suson.

DOST-PHIVOLCS in partnership with DOST Region IX conducted a REDAS Module 4 training entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into the Local Development Planning Process, Contingency and Emergency Preparedness through the Use of the REDAS Software”. It was held last May 2 via Zoom platform and via face-to-face modality at the Sapphire Room, Grand Astoria Hotel last May 6-10, 2024. The training was headed by PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, REDAS Program Coordinator and Associate Scientist Dr. Maria Leonila P. Bautista, and REDAS Course Advisers Dr. Bartolome C. Bautista, Ishmael C. Narag, and Engr. Angelito G. Lanuza.  The lectures and hands-on exercises were discussed by speakers and facilitators from PHIVOLCS including a guest speaker from MGB.

Online pre-training and installation sessions were conducted on May 2 to guide the participants in installing the REDAS software and other related tools such as EDM 3.0, MapDig 0.0.5, CropDAT 1.3, FLoAT 1.6 and QGIS 3.28.15 including a lecture on the Introduction to REDAS Module 4: Multi-Hazard Impact Assessment tools. A total of 59 REDAS 4.0 License keys was issued for the participants of the training.  The 59 participants of the training were as follows: 12 from Zamboanga del Sur LGUs (PDRRMO (1), Bayog (1), Dimataling (2), Dinas (1), Dumalinao (1), Guipos (1), Josefina (2), Kumalarang (1), Molave (1), Pitogo (1)), 15 from Zamboanga del Norte LGUs (PDRRMO (2), Baliguian (1), Dapitan City (1), Dipolog City (1), Godod (1), Gutalac (1), Labason (1), Liloy (1), Piñan (2), Sibuco (1), Sindangan (1), Sirawai (1), Tampilisan (1)), 14 from Zamboanga Sibugay LGUs (PDRRMO(1), Alicia (1), Buug (2), Imelda (1), Ipil (1), Kabasalan (1), Mabuhay (1), Malangas (1), Naga (1), Olutanga (1), Siay (1), Talusan (1), Titay (1)),  2 from Zamboanga City, 1 from Isabela City, 9 from NGAs (DHSUD IX (1), DOST IX (5), DILG IX (1), NEDA IX (1), DA IX (1)) and 6 from SUCs (Universidad de Zamboanga (1), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (1), Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (1), Western Mindanao State University (1), J.H. Cerilles State College (2)).

The face-to-face training proper was conducted on May 6-10, 2024.  It started with the opening ceremony including the opening remarks of the Regional Director of DOST Region IX Martin A. Wee.

The first day (May 6) of the face-to-face training focused on REDAS Exposure Database Development Module. The participants were given lectures and hands-on on how to conduct their own exposure database using the REDAS EDM tool. This includes fieldwork at the nearby barangay on how to conduct foot survey in populating their own exposure database. A total of 118 building structures were surveyed and digitized during the training. Lectures on database management using the REDAS EDM were also given to provide them ideas on how to manage their own exposure database after the training.

The second day (May 8) of the training focused on the use of the REDAS software including its capabilities such as monitoring tsunami and earthquakes, plotting earthquake catalogues, and focal mechanism solutions. They were also taught on how to do Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) using the REDAS 4.0. They were able to produce a ground shaking hazard map of a potential “Big One” scenario such as the September 1897 Magnitude 7.5 Sulu Trench Earthquake.

On the third day (May 8), PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol gave a lecture on Earthquake and Earthquake Hazards. On this day, the participants were taught on how to use the REDAS Flood Loss Assessment Tool (FLoAT) using the exposure data collected during REDAS building surveys in 2023 and 2024.  They were also given a Hands-on exercise on the use of REDAS MapDig where they were able to digitize parcels of crops as sample exposure data for the REDAS Crop Damage Assessment (CropDAT).

The fourth day (May 9) of the training focused on the REDAS SHAke Module. In this module, the participants were taught on how to calculate potential impact of four Big-One earthquake scenarios in their region using the REDAS software.

The last day (May 10) of the five-day training was dedicated to the culmination of all learnings during the training. In the way forward discussion, the participants spoke about using REDAS in the planning process, emergency preparedness, disaster mitigation and how to incorporate them in their existing DRRM plans. The participants also gave positive impressions during the graduation ceremony. Based on the evaluation form responses, all of the participants are either satisfied or very satisfied with the training. The participants appreciated the hands-on activities and agreed that all the topics involving REDAS and its related tools are very useful. A total of 59 participants graduated from the training course and it ended with a message from the Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST IX Thelma E. Diego and the distribution of certificates.

DOST-PHIVOLCS with the City Government of Tarlac conducted a training on the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) Modules 1-3 (Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into the Local Development Planning Process, Contingency and Emergency Preparedness through the Use of REDAS Software).

The training was graced by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head, Mr. Hensel Quilling. PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol was also present to give his message and a lecture on earthquakes and earthquake hazards. The five-day training (May 20-24, 2024) was held at the Tarlac CDRRMO Conference Room. Training participants included personnel from City Government Offices (CDRRMO, City Agriculture Office, City Assessors Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Information Office, City Engineering Office, and City Social Welfare and Development Office), Office of Civil Defense Region 3, Tarlac State University - Pollution Control and Safety Unit, and guests from Provincial Government of Quirino. Prior to the face-to-face training, an online pre-training activity was conducted via Zoom last May 16 for the introductory lectures and REDAS tools installation.