Description

In 2017, CHERM (Center for Hazard and Environmental Resource Mapping) was established by DOST CALABARZON in partnership with Southern Luzon State University, as a response to the challenge to use science-based tools and methods in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) as well as environmental resource management. It was originally intended to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ center to provide authoritative geospatial data and services, whether custom printed or downloadable data, and to consolidate/harmonize/integrate maps and datasets into layers which can be customized for specific purposes of local government units (LGUs), investors, developers, and general public.

In 2019, an R&D component of CHERM was proposed, consisting of three subcomponent projects: forest mapping (ASANA), water quality and fish cage monitoring (MATYAG), and coconut mapping (iCOPRA), which have yet to be fully approved by external funding agencies. Also, CHERM has introduced regional councils, including the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Multisectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC), where different agencies and LGUs may avail of its mapping services for data-driven and evidence-based planning and implementation of their map-related service requirements.