Ilocos Norte is among the provinces in the country that are least vulnerable to natural hazards. It is the least in Region 1”. This was revealed by the study made by Dr. Marife M. Ballesteros, senior science research specialist of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), which she presented in a discussion forum held at the University Training Center, July 9.

The activity was still part of the opening of a PIDS corner at the University Main Library which was inaugurated in the morning.

Her study ranked the provinces in the country in terms of vulnerability to natural hazards and assessed the relationship between vulnerability index and local economic development. The assessment was made to determine the source of fragility and the areas where resilience can be built-up. The study is useful for forming disaster preparedness measures.

According to the study, the Philippines is extremely vulnerable among the southeast Asian countries, basing on environmental characteristics and ecological system. Ballesteros identified Maguindanao as the most vulnerable province country and Aurora, the least. Others at risk are Masbate, Northern Samar, Romblon, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu, Negros Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Tawi-tawi, and Zamboanga del Norte. Others that are least susceptible are Abra, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Mt. Province, Apayao, National Capital Region, Batanes, and Catanduanes.

Computation on the vulnerability of an area to natural hazards was based on exposure to climate variability and changes, and occurrence of natural hazards; and susceptibility, sensitivity, or responsiveness to natural hazards. According to Ballesteros, the higher the sensitivity of an area, the larger is its rate of adverse response to a hazard. She said that sensitivity may result due to low environment and people protection; lack of diversification; and coping capacity or the ability to moderate potential damage from hazards. She, however, cited the need for refining indicators and inclusion of future projections of climate change events and socio-economic conditions of areas, among others.

Dr. Ballesteros stressed the need for support to policies and programs for local economic development and poverty reduction. She also suggested for the improvement of adaptation strategies like land use planning and environmental conservation policy, and for the increase of expenditure on local infrastructure and social services.

Meanwhile, in her message delivered by Provincial Administrator Windell Chua,  Governor Imee R. Marcos said that natural disasters are direct concerns of the government due to the geographical location of the country. She cited the incident at the Buagao Bridge in Bangui which caused disturbance on travel, transport of goods and services, and other necessary transactions. She said that if only people knew the exact role to play and were knowledgeable and responsible in coping with the situation, such circumstance would not have happened.  She, therefore, stressed the need for adopting measures and actions to have a more comprehensive approach to such situations.

Dr. Reynaldo C. Castro, chief science research specialist of the Philippine Rice Research Institute based in Batac City, and Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, R&D director of MMSU, served as discussants during the forum. They also presented their concepts on how to cope with vulnerability to natural hazards and to adapt to climate change.

Attended by 180 participants from various government agencies and local government units including faculty members and students of MMSU, the forum was sponsored by the PIDS to disseminate research results that could serve as basis in planning and policy formulation.