Project News

In order to improve DPWH technical staff's technology on Sabo, our project held the first training on planning and design of Sabo Works from June 1st to 5th in the meeting room of FCSEC’s dormitory building. We are planning to hold such training as this for staff members of 40 offices throughout the Philippines ; and among them 23 staff from 22 offices attended this training.

Lecturers were Mr. Damo, Mr. Alpasan , Mr. Iturralde and Mr. Uyap , counter parts, and Mr. S. Hasebe and Mr. H.Sawa,Japanese experts. Also with the support of ICHARM,Dr. Adikari came from Japan and lectured on “Global Trends in Water-related Disasters”, “Sabo Works in Japan” and “Non-Structural Measures.” The attendants learned about the latest global water-related disasters and non-structural measures (software) taken in Japan connecting with Sabo Works.

Training Schedule
June 1 (Mon)
Opening Address / Global Trend in Water-related Disaster / Sabo Works in Japan / Introduction of Sabo Works / Applied Hydrology
2 (Tue)
Survey and Investigation of Sabo Works / Sabo basic plan / Sabo basic plan for Debris flow / Planning of Sabo Structure
3 (Wed)
Design of Sabo Structure / Sabo Soil Cement / Non-structural Measures
4 (Thu)
Site tour of FCSEC Hydraulic Laboratory
5 (Fri)
Travel to Mt. Pinatubo / Closing Address

Many participants had a limited knowledge about Sabo, and therefore, to help them understand Sabo, a lecture on “Sabo-dam Experiment using sweets”, which is introduced in a lecture by Erosion and Sediment Control Division in NILIM, was conducted. They made a topology miniature, in which they made a paper craft Sabo Dam, created a flood of sweets and watched the dam control the flood. Through this experiment they seemed to realize the function of Sabo Dam. This unique experiment received a favorable response and the lecturer’s remark, “Don’t eat sweets doing the experiment”, evoked a laugh among them and produced a pleasant atmosphere.

On the last day we carried out a field trip: and inspected the sand pocket and groundsill, constructed as protective measures against Mt. Pinatubo. Most attendants, visiting the Sabo facilities for the first time, earnestly listened to the to explanation by the staff of the office there.

In order to independently spread Sabo technology in the Philippines, it is desirable that more FCSEC staff members be able to lecture on Sabo technology. The second Sabo Training is to be held in October.

Photo：Field Trip to Pinatubo