The Department of Trade and Industry Region 2, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), conducted a capacity building of the DTI Regional and Provincial Personnel and Negosyo Center Business Counselors (NCBCs) on using the GeoRiskPH Platform on 22 September 2023, at the DTI R2-Negosyo Center Building, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The goal of this was to increase the region’s capability for assessing hazards and risks using GeoRiskPH platforms, which will aid the DTI in determining disaster risks to specific locations, such as susceptibility to floods, tsunamis, and liquefaction. The disaster risk information will also serve as the basis for the NCBCs’ mentorship or consultancy on the safety level of MSME locations, the disaster susceptibility of Shared Service Facilities, or similar assistance to clients.

DTI R2 Assistant Regional Director Winston T. Singun, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of having readily available data for risk assessment and disaster response, underscoring DTI’s pivotal role in assisting MSMEs during times of calamities and disasters.

During the workshop, the participants were capacitated on the GeoRisk Philippines Initiative and its platforms, such as HazardHunterPH, GeoMapperPH, GeoAnalyticsPH, and PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild.

The participants learned how to use the GeoMapperPH Web Application, create, and edit the application with tools to streamline disaster preparedness and response, along with efficiently updating and geotagging the data of over 500 MSMEs. Mr. John Harold Tabuzo, Mr. Nicole Jean Mercado, and Mr. Lemuel Austin Constantino, all from the DOST-PHILVOCS, served as the resource speakers for the activity.

SMEDD Division Chief Ramil Garcia urged the participants to continue their efforts beyond the training and encouraged them to reflect on their key takeaways from the session towards ensuring the safety and increasing the operational readiness of MSMEs.

A total of 46 DTI personnel from the regional and provincial offices participated in the training. The next steps include completing the uploading of MSME data into the GeoRisk Platform and continuing to capacitate all remaining Negosyo Center Business Counsellors (NCBCs) and DTI personnel to maximize the benefits of the platform and strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience among MSMEs in the region. #

Date of release: 27 September 2023

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