SLSU and Bontoc LGU Leverage Geospatial Tech for Community Climate Resilience
On the afternoon of June 19, 2026, a community visit takes place in Barangay Hilaan, Bontoc. Southern Leyte—one of the communities most severely affected by Typhoon Tino—driven by a powerful collaborative effort between Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bontoc, which are represented respectively by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication and Extension Services (VPRIPE), and Hon. Noel E. Alinsub, Municipal Mayor.
Dr. Sy and the SLSU GIS Technology Center (GISTC) Team, together with Mr. Ivan Gayton of the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), conduct this engagement in active partnership with the LGU of Bontoc under the leadership of Mayor Alinsub, alongside the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) represented by Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMO) Mr. Edmund Moralde.
The activity forms part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among local government units, academic institutions, international organizations, and communities in promoting disaster resilience and sustainable community development through the use of geospatial technologies and community-centered approaches.
The engagement commenced with a coordination meeting at the MDRRMO Office of Bontoc, where Mr. Edmund Moralde, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMO), together with MDRRMO personnel and representatives from the visiting team, discussed the municipality's disaster risk reduction initiatives, experiences during Typhoon Tino, and ongoing efforts to strengthen preparedness and resilience. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange insights on the application of geospatial technologies, community mapping, and data-driven approaches in disaster risk reduction and management.
Following the MDRRMO briefing, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Noel E. Alinsub, Municipal Mayor of Bontoc, to discuss potential areas of collaboration and the importance of strengthening partnerships in addressing disaster-related challenges. Discussions highlighted the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone technology, open mapping initiatives, and community-based data collection in supporting evidence-based planning, risk assessment, and resilience-building efforts within the municipality.
The delegation then proceeded to Barangay Hilaan, one of the communities that experienced significant impacts during Typhoon Tino in November 2025. The site visit provided an opportunity to observe firsthand the geographic and environmental conditions of the area and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by residents during and after the disaster. While recovery efforts are ongoing, some of the impacts of the typhoon remain evident, including a damaged bridge and road sections that are still undergoing rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The visit also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue among community members, local leaders, disaster risk reduction practitioners, and technical experts. Through these conversations, stakeholders explored opportunities to strengthen local preparedness, improve hazard awareness, and support community-led resilience initiatives through mapping, data collection, and collaborative planning.
The community visit underscores the growing partnership among the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), the Southern Leyte State University, the Municipality of Bontoc, and the people of Barangay Hilaan in advancing community-centered disaster resilience initiatives. By combining local knowledge, community participation, and innovative geospatial technologies, the collaboration aims to empower communities with the tools and information needed to better prepare for and respond to future hazards.
As climate-related disasters continue to pose significant challenges to vulnerable communities, initiatives such as this demonstrate the value of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in building a safer, more informed, and more resilient future for Southern Leyte. These efforts contribute to the advancement of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing disaster risks and promoting sustainable development.