December 2023. The Community-Level Evaluation and Assessment of Rain-Induced Landslide Susceptibility (CLEARS) project, spearheaded by Kalinga State University with funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and KSU itself, is empowering communities in the Cordillera region of the Philippines to actively evaluate and manage their susceptibility to landslides caused by precipitation. Utilizing both technological innovation and community collaboration, CLEARS is a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in mountainous areas prone to landslides.
The project was initiated in 2009 by KSU engineering professor Ronjhon Garming, who initially developed a manual to help non-experts assess landslide risks during heavy rainfall. This foundational tool has since evolved into a smartphone application that allows users, with just an Android device, to conduct site-specific assessments, evaluating their surroundings for potential landslide risks. The app guides users through a streamlined process involving data collection, slope angle measurement, and material evaluation to produce a risk rating of "stable," "susceptible," or "highly susceptible." By bridging scientific assessment with community engagement, the CLEARS app has made landslide susceptibility evaluation accessible to disaster management professionals, local government units, and residents alike.
In December 2023, KSU hosted a regional training workshop that introduced disaster risk reduction and management councils in the Cordillera region to the CLEARS mobile application. Participants had the opportunity to test the app in a landslide-prone area, gaining hands-on experience in risk assessment. The project’s commitment to training underscores KSU's dedication to building the risk assessment capacity of local governments, furthering its alignment with national disaster prevention efforts. The Commission on Higher Education has acknowledged CLEARS for contributing to the internationalization of Philippine higher education institutions by demonstrating a unique model for community-based disaster preparedness.
The CLEARS project is also one of KSU’s key entries under the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) 2024 in the Innovation in Funding category. By pioneering innovative funding for technological solutions in disaster resilience, CLEARS exemplifies the transformative role of academic institutions in tackling real-world challenges through resourceful approaches.
The project aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By mitigating landslide risks, CLEARS contributes to community safety and health. SDG 4: Quality Education – Through mobile apps, guidebooks, and training, the project enhances accessible, quality education in risk assessment. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – CLEARS strengthens resilience in vulnerable communities against environmental hazards. SDG 13: Climate Action – CLEARS promotes proactive climate resilience, addressing climate-induced landslide risks. SDG 15: Life on Land – By identifying landslide-prone areas, the project helps protect ecosystems and land resources. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The CLEARS initiative thrives on collaborative efforts between KSU, governmental bodies, and local communities, emphasizing partnerships as essential to solving complex issues.
The CLEARS project represents a significant step forward in harnessing technology for community-led disaster risk assessment. As KSU continues to build awareness and expand training for the CLEARS mobile application, it not only strengthens regional resilience but also sets a commendable example of how academic institutions can lead transformative initiatives for safer, more prepared communities. Through collaborative action, CLEARS fosters a robust approach to landslide risk reduction, embodying KSU's commitment to sustainability, education, and public safety.
