J. Andres F. Ignacio | Geog 198 (Special Topics in Geography – Environmental Geography) WFH Class

Posted on February 23, 2024

This video brief highlights the immersive field engagement of the UP Diliman Geog 198: Special Topics in Geography – Environmental Geography Class (Section WFH). It showcases the students’ firsthand experience during the field activity, the application of various related topics discussed in class, and their real-world manifestations.

Geog 198 WFH AFA Short Video Production

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the individuals and organizations that made this meaningful experience possible for the students:

1. Tatay Ombeth (IP Leader): We are grateful for his time and the wisdom and inspiration he shared with the students.

2. Montalban LGU, represented by Tourism Officer Ms. Jomelyn M. Abuan, MPA: The Tourism Office’s support, coordination, and assistance greatly contributed to the success of the site visit in Wawa. Special thanks go to the field-based personnel in the Montalban Tourism Information and Assistance Center in Wawa.

3. DENR Region IV, represented by Mr. Jojo Espino from the Pamitinan Protected Landscape: We appreciate their accompaniment and sharing of their experience and history in the area, which greatly enhanced the students’ understanding of environmental management in this critical and historic area.

4. Barangay Tumana, Marikina City, with special thanks to SK Kagawad Jemimah Keziah Isipin and other SK members: Their time and readiness to accompany the students around the areas affected by past floods in their barangay was instrumental in deepening the students’ understanding of how communities try to cope with recurring hazards.

5. Marikina City LGU, through its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office: Their inputs and sharing of best practices in disaster risk mitigation in Marikina ensured the students gained insights into the challenges that the LGU has encountered in recent years as well as the innovations that they had to implement to effectively respond to the growing threat of flooding in their jurisdiction.

The collective efforts of these individuals and offices have made this academic field activity truly remarkable, empowering the students to connect theory with practice and fostering a deeper appreciation for the need for environmental management through coordinated and proactive responses.


Assoc. Prof. J. Andres F. Ignacio is a new faculty of the UP Population Institute. He was with a non-profit environmental research institute for over 30 years before joining the academe in 2023. He holds a Doctorate in Geography from the University of Namur in Belgium, where his research focused on measuring social vulnerability to climate change-induced hazards at the barangay level for the entire Philippines using census data. His other interests are geospatial technologies and the environment and how these areas enhance demographic analysis.

Student Contributors: Arjan Dave Alfeche, Ella Caparroso, Julius Catabay, Bernice Corpuz, Arvie Defeo, Francesca Duran, Shanna Fetalino, John Paul Golingan, Leonil Llagas, Marcel Mallonga, Markel Rivera, Jhon Rey Sales, Bea Salvanera, Eunice Samson, and Juan Zacarias