(June 11, 2003) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Elisea G. Gozun today urged residents of Metro Manila and other developed and urbanizing areas to utilize geohazard maps as references so they can better prepare for floods and landslides during the rainy season.

Geohazard maps provide information on potential areas of floodings, landslides, liquefaction, subsidence and other ground instabilities. Due to its geologic setting and geographic location, the Philippines ranks among the most vulnerable to natural disasters. The more devastating occurrences in recent years include the Luzon earthquake of 1990, the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the Cherry Hills landslide of 1995.

"The geohazard maps are not meant to scare residents and property developers, but instead to warn them of the natural risks, if any exist that their areas are faced with. It is expected that with adequate information, safety precautions can be done to minimize accidents and the unnecessary loss of lives and properties," Gozun emphasized.

The DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has already completed the geohazard maps of key urban centers in the country including Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, Butuan City, Subic and Olongapo City, Davao City, Surigao City, and portions of Oriental Mindoro, Cavite City and San Pedro, Laguna. Processing of information ITom Cebu City and Tuguegarao, Cagayan is ongoing.

"Geologists and technical experts from the DENR-MGB have compiled and synthesized existing scientific data and made some ground verifications to map out the areas that are vulnerable to these various natural hazards," MGB Director Horacio C. Ramos said.

Experts believe that once these hazards have been properly identified and characterized, the effects could be mitigated or eliminated by instituting preventive measures through appropriate engineering design. Or better still, avoid settlements and development in these areas to eliminate future risks and costs.

The DENR secretary stressed that the residents should coordinate with the concerned local government units (LGUs) or with the nearest DENR-MGB regional office if their areas are within identified geohazard-prone areas.

The MGB' s geohazard maps are indicative maps with a scale of 1: 50, 000, thus site-specific geohazard studies in development projects should still be performed, especially those that are of national interest.

All geohazard maps are currently available in digital format. Interested parties may contact MGB's Lands Geological Survey Division at tel. No. 928-8819 or the nearest DENR-MGB regional office.