21/07/2026
𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐁 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐓𝐀𝐒-𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Provincial Government of Kalinga welcomed the research team of the Landslide Investigations for Geohazards Preparedness and Timely Advisories in the Philippines: Advanced Geospatial Approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LIGTAS-AGAD) Program during a courtesy visit to Governor James S. Edduba on July 13, 2026.
The courtesy call served as an opportunity for the research team to formally present the objectives of the LIGTAS-AGAD Program and seek the continued support of the Provincial Government for its planned landslide data collection activities in Kalinga from July 13 to 15, 2026.
Implemented under the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the LIGTAS-AGAD Program is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). The program aims to strengthen geohazard preparedness by utilizing advanced geospatial technologies to improve landslide monitoring, risk assessment, and the timely issuance of advisories for disaster risk reduction and management.
The visit followed an initial consultation with the Kalinga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on July 9, 2026, during which discussions centered on the collection of historical rainfall-induced landslide data and other technical information that will contribute to the project's research objectives.
Governor Edduba welcomed the initiative, recognizing the importance of science-based research in enhancing the province's disaster preparedness and resilience. He assured the research team of the Provincial Government's support and emphasized the value of collaboration between national research institutions and local government units in protecting communities vulnerable to natural hazards.
The LIGTAS-AGAD field team is composed of Ms. Rosemarie Lalle Areglado-Dimasuey, Technical Expert; Ms. Marella M. Liwag, Project Technical Assistant V; Mr. Gabriel Angelo R. Mamaril, Project Technical Assistant V; and Mr. Gerald Anthony E. Delos Reyes, Project Technical Assistant IV.
The Provincial Government of Kalinga remains committed to supporting research and innovation that contribute to evidence-based disaster risk reduction strategies, ensuring the safety and resilience of Kalinga communities against geohazards.