TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Representative Anna Veloso-Tuazon (3rd district) has expressed her gratitude to experts from the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) for conducting a post-disaster risk assessment in her district following recent calamities, including the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province.
Rep. Tuazon said the assessment would greatly help strengthen disaster preparedness and risk management efforts in the district, which covers several municipalities affected by the quake and previous natural hazards.
The on-site inspection, led by Dr. Eric Augustus Tingatinga and his team from the UP Institute of Civil Engineering, was conducted on October 4–5. The team examined slopes and rock formations that were impacted by the tremor to identify areas that remain at risk and those safe for residents to return to.
Joining the initiative were Dr. Mahar Lagmay of UPRI, representatives from Rep. Tuazon’s office, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Planning Division, and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which oversees the Hibulangan Dam which is located in the town of Villaba.
Tuazon emphasized that the collaborative effort between government agencies and scientific institutions demonstrates the shared commitment to protecting communities from future disasters.
“We’re so grateful for the assistance, knowing that this will help us manage our risks better with science-based, data-driven, and anticipatory adaptation solutions,” Tuazon said.
She added that her office will continue to work closely with national agencies and experts to ensure the safety and resilience of communities across the 3rd District of Leyte.
To recall, a 6.9 magnitude quake rocked Cebu province, with Bogo City as the epicenter, and was felt in different parts in Eastern Visayas.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
