City of San Fernando, Pampanga - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) here has already completed its geohazard assessment and field mapping activities in the province of Aurora.

MGB3 OIC, Regional Director Danilo Uykieng said they were able to finish the geohazard assessment of the eight municipalities of Aurora and accomplished 80% of their target for this year. Director Uykieng explained that the results of the geohazard assessment conducted in Baler, Casiguran, Dinalongan, Dilasag, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Ma. Aurora and San Luis will be reflected in the 1:10,000 scale map which will also be produced by the MGB.

The 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps is more detailed because it will show the critical areas which are susceptible to landslides and floodings. These maps will be distributed to concerned local government so they can identify the areas in their municipalities which are safe or not.

Director Uykieng also reported that MGB3 team conducted an information dissemination in the province after completing its geohazard assessment. Aurora Governor Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and representatives of the different LGU’s and different Offices of the Province of Aurora were informed on the results of the 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 scale mapping program

The team also discussed the natural hazards and mitigating measures and the importance of Engineering Geohazard and Geological Assessment (EGGA) as planning tool as stipulated in the DENR Administrative Order 2000-28. Lectures on geohazards were likewise conducted during the 15th School Encampment of Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines in Baler National High School.