The volcanic island of Camiguin, home to a variety of natural hazards

like volcanic eruption, earthquakes and typhoons that trigger debris flow and flash floods is now enjoying enhanced safety and reliability of the national highway with the reconstruction of the severely damaged Hubangon Bridge. Mahinog town now benefit from the protection of two sabo dams constructed to mitigate damages from debris flows. After experiencing a devastating typhoon in November 2001, resulting to about 250 dead and missing, as well as damages on infrastructures, houses, paddy fields and livestock; structural and non-structural countermeasures were formulated for Camiguin Island under a development study grant from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2003. The non-structural measures primarily to strengthen the disaster management system of the local disaster coordinating councils were pursued in 2004, still with the assistance by the Japanese people. The non-structural measures developed and provided to the communities are the following:

a. An operational warning system for flash flood and debris flow
b. Provincial, Municipal, and Barangay hazard boundary map
c. Public awareness materials
d. Flash Flood and Debris Flow Disaster Prevention Manual
e. Evacuation Plans

On January 7, 2012 the Project for Flood Disaster Mitigation in Camiguin Island which comprised of the Hubangon Bridge and two sabo dams was finally inaugurated and formally turned -over to the Philippine Government through a ceremony fittingly held at the upper sabo dam site. The ceremony coincided with the 44th founding year of the Camiguin province, and was graced by the Minister of Economic Affairs of the Japanese embassy in the country, Mikio ISOMATA, JICA Chief Representative Takahiro SASAKI, Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Congressman Pedro Romualdo, Department of Public Works & Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Mahinog Mayor Alex Jajalla.