Manila: Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna has called on local government units (LGUs) to enhance their use of geo-hazard maps in land-use planning, with a particular focus on disaster preparedness. He emphasized that these maps are crucial for identifying communities at risk of floods and landslides, as extreme weather events intensify due to climate change.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cuna highlighted during a media forum that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) routinely prepares and updates geo-hazard maps. These maps pinpoint flood-prone and landslide-prone areas throughout the country and are distributed to LGUs to assist them in identifying risk-prone areas within their jurisdictions.

Cuna noted that while the DENR has made efforts to distribute these maps, more needs to be done to ensure LGUs understand their value. He stressed that effectively utilizing geo-hazard maps could significantly reduce the impact of natural calamities such as typhoons, thereby minimizing loss of life and property damage.

In addition to aiding local planning, Cuna mentioned that the maps are integral to the national government's disaster response strategies. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also employs these maps during calamities to prioritize areas requiring immediate attention.

Cuna connected the importance of these maps to the Philippines' increasing vulnerability to climate-related hazards. Despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, the Philippines remains one of the countries most affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, stronger typhoons, and unpredictable weather underscore the urgency for climate adaptation measures.

Through the strategic use of geo-hazard maps, Cuna believes that local governments can better prepare their communities for the challenges posed by natural hazards and extreme weather conditions.