As a research initiative aiming to contribute to the resources to be used by the community in its disaster risk reduction and management procedures, the Geo-SAFER Mindanao Program collaborated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the country’s mandated flood mapping agency, in order to harmonize the flood hazard maps produced by both entities.

A courtesy visit and pre-harmonization meeting were conducted by the Geo-SAFER Mindanao Project Leaders and core personnel at the MGB Central Office, Quezon City last March 22, 2019. The Geo-SAFER Mindanao Program Leader, Engr. Meriam M. Santillan presented the program along with its processes and outputs to the MGB personnel, wherein initial agreements have been made. Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, the Acting Director of MGB expressed his appreciation to the efforts exerted by the Geo-SAFER Mindanao program in its flood mapping activities.

Personnel from the Lands Geological Survey Division of MGB then visited the Geo-SAFER Mindanao office at Caraga State Univesity last April 24, 2019, in order to thoroughly discuss the details of the harmonization.

A Memorandum of Agreement between Caraga State University as the lead implementing Higher Education Institution of the  Geo-SAFER Mindanao Program and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has been crafted to formalize the said collaboration. Meanwhile, certain procedures and activities are already being conducted by the Geo-SAFER Mindanao team in pursuit of the harmonization.