DoST launches disaster auto-planning app

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology launched a newly developed automated planning tool for disaster rehabilitation and recovery, a web application called "PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild."

This, as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council — through the Office of Civil Defense, DoST-Phivolcs and Department of the Interior and Local Government — targets to revolutionize the disaster risk reduction and management planning processes in the country by using the web app.

The PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild planning tool aims to support local government units to quickly formulate a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan amid calamities. The app is also eyed to improve LGUs' decision-making.

More than 400 participants will be trained to use the automated planning tool in their respective localities.

NDRRMC executive director and civil defense administrator, Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer, said the app will capacitate the LGUs in their mitigation and disaster risk efforts.

The government's science and disaster response agencies said the app leverages the GeoRiskPH Integrated Platform and the Ready to Rebuild Program, auto-generating a Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan through a Pro-forma RRP document template.

The app, developed by Filipino scientists, will further push LGUs to efficiently improve their respective plans for pre-and post-disaster events. It will be piloted in 137 LGUs within the Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol region, Central Visayas, and Caraga region.