Against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Mayon Volcano, a group of determined souls recently took to the skies — not in planes, but with drones. Equipped with state-of-the-art drones and a sense of purpose, these were the participants of the United Nations Development Program’s innovative drone-mapping training in Albay via its SHIELD initiative. Known for its trailblazing disaster-resilient practices and zero-casualty strategy, the province makes for an ideal setting for participants to learn from best practices and successful experiences in disaster resilience.
The participants from the provinces of Agusan Norte, Agusan Sur, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Davao Oriental and Quezon Province took off in a picture-perfect flight, the iconic cone providing a stunning visual and a poignant reminder of nature’s power and beauty. These provinces face the constant threat of natural hazards, where every typhoon or earthquake carries the potential to reshape lives and landscapes. Yet, the spirit remains unbroken.
The community and its local governments have learned to live with vigilance and hope, always ready to rebuild and recover. The introduction of advanced drone-mapping technology through the SHIELD Program provides these disaster-prone provinces with better tools to predict, prepare for, and mitigate the negative impacts of disasters and other natural hazards. Rose Mary Catudio is part of Eastern Samar’s Provincial Planning and Development Office.
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