A LAWMAKER here lobbied for an ordinance establishing an institutional mechanism for science-based hazard mapping and land-use governance in Davao City.
Councilor Alberto Ungab introduced the proposed ordinance during the 21st City Council regular session on Monday, July 27, to move away from reacting to disaster toward proactively managing risk through science and good governance.
In his privilege speech, Ungab presented the proposed “Davao City Risk-Informed Hazard Map Governance Ordinance of 2026,” noting that outdated hazard maps expose public safety, infrastructure investments, and local development to avoidable risks.
“It is about ensuring that every road we build, every school we construct, every hospital we establish, every subdivision we approve, and every community we develop is guided by the best available scientific information,” Ungab said.
Hazard maps, he said, are among the most important tools available to any local government, as this identifies where future risks may occur.
“Science continues to evolve… If we continue making decisions using outdated hazard information, we expose our people, our investments, and our future to unnecessary risks,” Ungab said
Rather than simply adopting static maps, the measure establishes a permanent Hazard Map Governance System designed to ensure all official risk data undergoes rigorous technical validation, public consultation, and legal adoption before guiding local policies.
The Hazard Map Governance System will be consistently integrated into planning and development decisions.
The ordinance will also establish a Hazard Map Review and Validation Committee, which is a multidisciplinary body composed of experts from the local government, national agencies, academia, and professional organizations to evaluate hazard data.
A scientific and technical advisory panel is tasked with offering evidence-based advice on complex technical and environmental issues.
He said science must work hand in hand with the knowledge of the communities, noting the need for community validation and public consultation.
“The ordinance requires community validation and public consultation, ensuring that the lived experiences of our barangays complement scientific analysis rather than replace it,” he stressed.
A centralized digital repository for geospatial information, geographic information systems (GIS), and real-time data sharing is also pushed to assist local planners, emergency responders, and the public.
Under the proposal, hazard designations will guide site-specific studies, engineering solutions, and environmental safeguards rather than automatically depriving landowners of property usage without due process.
“A hazard map should guide responsible development—not automatically deprive a citizen of the use of property without due process,” Ungab stated.
The measure was considered read under the first reading and referred to the council committee on disaster, risk reduction and management for review.
