Community-Driven GIS – Based landslide hazard mapping for Kias, Baguio City, Philippines
Corresponding email: [email protected]
A B S T R A C T
Rain-induced landslides pose a significant threat to areas where heavy rainfall and unstable terrain increase disaster risk. Geographic Information System (GIS)-based hazard mapping is a critical tool for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and early warning that can be used for disaster preparedness and policy-making. However, many local disaster management groups lack the technical expertise to create and update their maps. Hence, this study aims to develop a GIS-based landslide hazard mapping customized for community volunteers tasked with emergency response and minimizing the effects of disasters. In the Philippines, these community volunteers belong to what is known as the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, [BDRRMC] under Republic Act (RA) 10121. A participatory training program for the community volunteers was designed using simplified GIS manuals, hands-on workshops, and side-by-side mentoring. The program generated four different GIS hazard maps mainly 1) landslide points/locations and fault line, 2) Vulnerability Map, 3) Heat Map; and, 4) Purok (community subdivision) Boundaries and Geo-Tagging. Results showed based on observations and assessment during the training program indicated that the community volunteers were able to follow the manual with minimal guidance and were able to generate the required maps within the expected time period. Moreover, post-training assessment by the trainees showed that majority of them expressed confidence in teaching others, ensuring the sustainability of the community-led hazard mapping. With these, bridging the gap between scientific hazard mapping and localized disaster preparedness could hopefully contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 “Sustainable Cities” and 13 “Climate Action”.