On October 21, 2014, VSO Bahaginan Volunteer Arnoud Keizer was recognized by the European Commission for his efforts to improve the processes involved in the LiDAR digital mapping of the Philippines, as well as help in bringing it closer to the Filipino people. During his 10-month stay in the Philippines, he improved the project management system of the DREAM Program, and his OpenStreetMap workshops have reached the grassroots level to help communities prepare for floods and other related environmental disasters.

Chancellor Tan, in his affirmation as the 10th head of the University of the Philippines Diliman, recognized once again the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program at the investiture held last October 17, 2014 at the University Theater.

Last October 15-17, 2014 in the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the DREAM Program brought its flood hazard maps and early warning systems to bring awareness and know-how to 897 barangay officials and other stakeholders of the City of Manila. The event, entitled the “First Manila Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Management Conference 2014” brought together representatives from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (PhiVOLCS), Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, and various non-government organizations (NGOs) focused on preparing for and mitigating disasters.

Ms. Marie Joyce Ilagan, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Data Processing Component, presented to the 2014 Philippine ESRI Users Conference audience other applications of the technologies currently used by the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program. Said conference was held last September 24, 2014 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City.