MGB to buy 15 new ground radars next year

MANILA, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has programmed for procurement next year 15 new ground pene- trating radars (GPRs) to be used in the mapping of geohazard zones or areas prone to rain-induced flooding and landslides.

MGB director Leo Jasareno yesterday said that with the equipment on hand, the geohazard maps with a scale of 1:10,000 would be completed next year.

The more detailed maps would replace the existing maps currently used by municipalities which have a scale of 1:50,000.

The mapping of geohazard areas in 1,034 cities and municipalities is seen to be completed by the end of the year while detailing for 600 cities and municipalities is expected to be finished by next year.

To speed up the process, the MGB has contracted the services of private geological surveyors to help in the mapping.

The Philippines has only one functioning ground penetrating radar now used by a five-man team of government geologists in mapping possible sinkholes in earthquake-hit Bohol.

Each GPR would cost around P6 million. One ground radar would be allocated for use in each region.

A GPR works like an x-ray, enabling geologists to determine the type and strength of rocks underneath a surface without drilling.

The MGB would be allotting P400 million out of its 2014 budget for the completion of the geohazard maps.

“If people are conscious about geohazard, fatalities in times of natural disasters would be greatly reduced,” said Jasareno. 

The Senate has approved MGB’s proposed budget of P1.09 billion for 2014 which was higher than this year’s allocation of P800 million, making it possible for the line bureau to purchase the equipment and pursue other projects next year.

The MGB would also begin mapping coastal areas prone to erosion and continue the mapping of no-build zones in typhoon-battered Tacloban City, which needs to be rehabilitated immediately.

Next year, the MGB would also begin a hydrological assessment project that entails scouting for aquifers, or underground layers of rocks that bear water.

“We only have two main sources of water: rain and ground water. If we look for more aquifers, we can increase water supply,” Jasareno said.