DOST leads workshop on formulation of contingency plan for volcanic eruption, earthquake

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded the formulation of a contingency plan for a volcanic eruption and had chosen Camiguin Province as a pilot site.

The three-day “Workshop on the Formulation of a Contingency Plan” was held at the Camiguin Convention Center in Mambajao, Camiguin.

In his speech during the event, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. underscored the importance of a comprehensive plan which is “crucial” because unlike other forms of disasters or calamities, volcanic eruptions have severe effects on health, economics and public policies.

“Importante itong workshop for you to consider different scenarios so that, God forbid, if something happens again, be it a volcanic eruption or an earthquake, you are ready. Please use science and technology and please use collective preparation so that you, your family, and your residents will be assured of your safety,” Solidum said. “We have to prepare for it; the first thing we should plan is to know hazard and risk; second monitor and forecast, then know when to warn and disseminate the information to the public about the hazards,” he added.
 
He explained that DOST has chosen Camiguin as a model for a national contingency plan since the island province was formed by volcanic eruptions and home to seven volcanoes, including Mt. Hibok-Hibok, which is still considered active.

Solidum, himself, a former director at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVocs) under DOST, noted that the last time Mt. Hibok-Hibok erupted was between 1948 and 1951.

Camiguin governor, Xavier Jesus Romualdo officially welcomed all 300 participants from various clusters, barangays, and organizations during the opening ceremony.

Other DOST and local officials present at the workshop included DOST undersecretary for regional operations, Sancho Mabborang; Camiguin provincial governor, Xavier Jesus Romualdo;  Dir. Antonio B. Sugarol, Regional Director from the Office of Civil Defense; Mambajao Municipal Mayor, Yñigo Jesus D. Romualdo; Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, OIC Regional Director, DOST-X and Ms. Nova Belle C. Calotes, Science Research Specialist II, DOST-X.

The province of Camiguin updated its contingency plan on volcanic eruption in partnership with DOST and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The event was a training-workshop according to the module implemented by the OCD. Among the topics discussed were Contingency Plan factors, Hazard plans, Health-related hazard due to Volcanic Activity, Establishment of Incident Command Management Team, and more.

Task Force Camiguin

On the other hand, Camiguin lone district Representative Jurdin Jesus Romualdo revealed plans to institutionalize the creation of “Task Force (TF) Camiguin” which will be vested with multiple roles in helping communities.

Romualdo said while the province is cleared of any security threat, the TF Camiguin can also serve as a force multiplier for disaster risk reduction management. It is targeted to take shape by the third week of May.

“I told the Navy that we can have fast crafts to transport troops  and since it is suitable in our (island) landscape,” he said.

Solidum cited the province’s geographical location, saying that if there is an additional supply of magma, the province may experience another volcanic eruption.

To prepare for such a disaster, he urged the residents to determine if their area is affected by certain hazards, design and should construct their houses properly, use sturdy materials and look at the subsurface condition while ensuring good workmanship.

The DOST chief also added that “to prepare” means one must prepare for what to do during and after the earthquake.

“Let us be mindful that Camiguin Island is blessed by God with volcanoes; that is why you have very good lanzones, you have many good tourism sites. But God also reminds us that from time to time these volcanoes can explode,” Solidum said.

Located along the Pacific ring of fire, the Philippines is highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic risks. The World Risk Index 2022 stated that the country is one of the most at risk and exposed to natural hazards and the adverse effects of climate change.

Dr. Macario Oclarit, President of Camiguin Polytechnic State College supported the event by allowing teachers to help in the updating of the Contingency Plan for volcanic eruption.

The Mambajao DRRM Officer, Raquel Ranara, in close coordination with Joanne  Katherine Rosales-Banaag, Provincial S&T Director and Trestan Rey Ebarre, Chief Capacity Building and Training Officer of OCD-10 and Joan Salcedo of PHIVOLCS were the focal persons who worked for more than two months to prepare for the activity.

The event was a training-workshop according to the module implemented by the Office of the Civil Defense. Among the topics discussed were Contingency Plan factors, Hazard plans, Health-related hazard due to Volcanic Activity, Establishment of Incident Command Management Team, and more.

During the workshop, DOST also inked a memorandum of understanding with the local government unit to support the development of LGU Mambajao as a SMART community in Camiguin, upgrade tax mapping and assessment of real property units in Mambajao and utilize the multi-purpose solar speed drying technology for increased productivity and enhanced food quality in the agri-fishery sector in Camiguin

The effects of a volcanic eruption event are longer and consume more resources, especially in today’s scenario. Once the plan is completed, the DOST chief said it will become part of the disaster risk reduction management mechanism in the country.