DREAM conducts IEC Seminar with DPWH

Last January 14, 2014, four notable institutions, UP DREAM, DOST Project NOAH, OCD Project DINA, and DPWH joined together to hold an Information Education Communication (IEC) Seminar in the Multi-Purpose Hall on the 5th Floor of the DPWH Main Office in the Port Area of Metro Manila.

The UP Disaster Risk Exposure and Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), Office of the Civil Defense Project DINA (Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) collaborated and conducted the IEC to share with each other up-to-date and useful information regarding each other’s outputs and achievements. UP DREAM, through the presentation of Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, DREAM Program Leader, showcased its expertise in LiDAR data applications by sharing the latest outputs in Flood Hazard Mapping of more than 80% of its targeted river basins. He talked about using LiDAR for infrastructure planning and design as well, mostly for the benefit of the top management of DPWH such as the Secretary, some Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, and Assistant Regional Directors who also attended the said event.

Other speakers in the IEC were: Assistant Secretary Maria Catalina E Cabral, PhD. of Planning Service and PPP who gave the introduction and welcome remarks, Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro of DOST who delivered a brief message, Secretary Rogelio L. Singson who gave the Keynote Address, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay who discussed Project NOAH as a decision-support tool for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Meanwhile, a representative from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) showed their video on what to do and how to act safely during the occurrence of hazards and disasters. Director Constante A. Llanes, Jr. moderated the IEC event.

During the open forum, DREAM was commended by Assistant Secretary Cabral for the usefulness of the LiDAR data that was presented, especially as the LiDAR applications could determine where structures would be built to avoid flood hazards and how it would be designed. Secretary Singson instructed the Regional Directors to acquire their LiDAR data from DREAM and stated that GIS-literate personnel from DPWH would train with DREAM on how to use the processed LiDAR data and flood hazard maps.