Multi-Temporal Analysis of Land Cover Change for Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Infanta and General Nakar, Province of Quezon, Philippines

Vlademir R. Sazon; Renato L. Lapitan; Teodoro R.  Villanueva; Juan M. Pulhin; Ecosystems and Development Journal

Vlademir R. Sazon University of the Philippines Los Baños
Renato L. Lapitan Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, CFNR, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Teodoro R. Villanueva Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, CFNR, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Juan M. Pulhin Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Keywords: climate change, land cover change, disaster risk reduction and management

Abstract

The Philippines experiences about 20 tropical cyclones per year. Four tropical cyclones hit the Municipalities of General Nakar and Infanta between November and December 2004. These two municipalities were severely affected by landslide that rushed down the Agos River. To aid disaster risk plans and management in the future, change in land cover was determined using multi–temporal analysis. This study determined the repercussions and effects of land cover change and its possible consequences based on the disaster that happened in 2004 and the socio–economic characteristics of the area. With the purpose of assessing the changes in land cover that occurred during the periods 1994–2004 and 2004– 2014, a methodology using a multifunctional Semi–Automatic Classification Plugin was used in the Quantum GIS software. Cross tabulation matrix analysis was used to distinguish those changes as a result of the transition. There was a 15.45% loss of primary forest and 15.26% gain of secondary forest and brushland from 1994–2014. Increase in built–up areas was also observed from 1994–2004 due to urban sprawl, but after the tragedy, a decrease in built–up areas was revealed due to washing away of properties in the locality. This study showed the significance of using GIS for change detection study of land cover of an area as it offers crucial information about the spatial distribution as well as land cover change.