DHSUD, PHIVOLCS, and Partners Launch First PlanSmart SHS EP–CDRA Training for LGUs in Regions II and III

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), through its Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB), in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST), GeoRisk Philippines, and Expertise France’s DRREALL-TA Project, conducted the first-ever PlanSmart SHS Harmonized Ecological Profile–Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (EP–CDRA) Training-Workshop for local government units in Regions II and III.

Held last week, the activity introduced participating LGUs to the Harmonized EP–CDRA framework and the new PlanSmart for SHS digital platform, which is equipped with GeoRiskPH-powered automated data generation tools. Representatives from Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales were among the first to test the platform and successfully generate draft Harmonized EP–CDRA documents.

The workshop also served as a venue for LGUs to provide feedback, share user experience, and identify desired features for future platform enhancements.

DHSUD Assistant Secretary Mylene A. Rivera emphasized the role of PlanSmart in streamlining and harmonizing risk-informed planning processes. Regional Director Marvin M. Feraren of DHSUD Region II expressed gratitude to partner agencies for supporting the initiative, while Regional Director Atty. Richard L. Manila of DHSUD Region III highlighted the importance of sustained LGU commitment in keeping Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) updated.

ELUPDB Director Ibani Padao noted that the development of PlanSmart SHS, in collaboration with DOST-PHIVOLCS, has been anchored on the goal of empowering LGUs to strengthen local resilience. He underscored that user feedback is essential to improving and refining the platform.

DICT Region 3 provided technical support during the event, ensuring stable and reliable internet connectivity throughout the workshop.

The training-workshop marks a significant step toward enhancing LGU capacities for risk-informed, data-driven, and resilient local planning.