CMU GEO-SAFER Northern Mindanao/Cotabato – a research project under the Geo–SAFER Mindanao program aimed to conduct systematic assessment of flooding in the critical rivers of Regions 10 and 12 in Mindanao using geo-informatics–based approaches. Detailed, updated and accurate flood hazard maps of 21 river basins with an estimated total drainage area of 8,660 km2 are to be produced by the project within two (2) years of implementation. In addition to hazard mapping and impact assessment, the project conducts hydrologic characterization which focuses on water quality assessment, computing rates of runoff, erosion and sediment transport; and determining temporal and geo-spatial distribution of erosion.

Central Mindanao University: The Academic Paradise of the South is one of the implementing agencies of the said project under the recently institutionalized – Center for Geomatics Research and Development in Mindanao also called “GeoMin Center” of the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES).

The project is composed of 28 personnel led by Dr. George R. Puno, CFES Faculty and researcher; with 3 Project Staff Level 2 namely: Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven; Dr. Rico A. Marin; and Dr. Einstine M. Opiso. Meanwhile, the 24 research staffs were divided into four (4) teams: Data Processing Team (DPT), Flood Modelling Team (FMT), Field Survey Team (FST) and the Project Support Team.

The project outputs include turning over of the generated hazard maps and datasets as well as conduct of trainings or technical capability-building seminar to various stakeholders/beneficiaries within the affected localities.

This endeavor to create flood resilient communities in Mindanao are made possible by the concerted efforts of the five implementing SUCs/HEIs; partner HEIs, RLAs, Provincial Governments and LGUs and DOST-PCIEERD, the funding agency.