Benitez eyes hazard map rollout across Negros Occidental

By Glazyl M. Jopson

QUEZON CITY — Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez is considering pitching updated hazard maps to other local government units in the province, especially Bacolod City, following recent flooding incidents.

Benitez recently visited the University of the Philippines (UP) Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center to discuss plans with Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, executive director of the UP Resilience Institute and director of Project NOAH.

In a media interview after his visit, Benitez said the city and neighboring areas of the 3rd District would greatly benefit from the updated hazard mapping initiative, particularly in identifying flood-prone communities and improving drainage and flood control infrastructure.

He recalled Lagmay’s visit to Talisay City in September 2025, where a Climate Resilience Summit was convened with stakeholders from various LGUs and concerned sectors. The summit assessed ongoing and proposed flood control projects and resilience plans in the 3rd District.

During the summit, assessments showed that the 3rd District scores “very high” in flood risk and “intermediate” in adaptive capacity.

The district includes the cities of Victorias, Silay and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and E.B. Magalona.

With the approval of a PHP 1 billion budget for Project NOAH under the 2026 national budget, Benitez noted that LGUs within his legislative district will be included in the updated hazard maps.

These maps aim to pinpoint appropriate infrastructure interventions, identify flood-prone areas and improve drainage systems.

“Dako nga bagay ini, especially sa mga pirmi ginabaha nga mga households,” Benitez said, expressing hope that the initiative will be realized by this year.

Lagmay emphasized the importance of climate and disaster risk assessments as the foundation of risk-informed and science-based planning.

“Kung wala iyon, hindi maka-anticipate ng disasters. Thus, it is very important that our plans are risk-informed and science-based,” he said.

While waiting for the full release of funds, Lagmay said preparatory work has already begun.

Benitez described the project as a significant development for the province and thanked Lagmay and the UP for their operational support.

Meanwhile, Lagmay is planning to produce a film or limited series focused on climate awareness and education, aimed not only at local audiences but also global viewers.

Benitez, who chairs the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, welcomed the project, which intends to highlight Filipino stories, as the Philippines is considered among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

Benitez said the project will showcase how communities are innovating to mitigate the effects of climate change. “Looking forward to this by the end of the year, hopefully,” he added.

The UP NOAH Center supports disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and related initiatives through research, development and extension services. Its website uses predictive risk assessment tools to map hazards such as flooding, landslides and earthquakes.

Benitez filed House Bill No. 2577, which seeks to establish the UP National Climate Resilience Institute to further strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts.

Project NOAH was originally launched in 2012 under the Department of Science and Technology as a disaster risk reduction program but was discontinued in 2017 due to lack of funding.

The UP Board of Regents subsequently approved the creation of the NOAH Center for climate action and disaster risk reduction shortly before the program’s termination. In June 2017, UP officially launched the Resilience Institute, tasked with providing data for disaster prevention, response and mitigation.

The Philippines ranks among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, regularly battered by an average of 20 typhoons annually, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Negros Occidental, with its extensive river systems and low-lying coastal areas, has experienced recurring flooding that has displaced thousands of residents in recent years.