Alfredo Mahar Lagmay

As a renowned Filipino geologist and a key figure in disaster management, Mahar Lagmay has long been known for his leadership in NOAH Center, the nation’s premier disaster prevention institution. With a doctorate from the University of Cambridge and over 70 peer-reviewed publications, his extensive research on natural hazards has been instrumental in shaping the Philippines’ risk reduction strategies. His fervent advocacy for using scientific data to inform government policies has revolutionised the nation’s approach to disaster preparedness, earning him international accolades, including the prestigious Plinius Medal from the European Geosciences Union.

Under his expert guidance, NOAH Center has become a global model for integrating science into disaster risk management, emphasising proactive measures over reactive responses. Armed with a wealth of knowledge in geology, his endeavours have tackled the brutal challenges posed by the 2013 Bohol earthquake and the formidable Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan), aligning local strategies with international standards through his work with the World Bank.

In 2025, Lagmay’s influence has only intensified. After receiving the Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan Hall of Fame Award for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2024 from the Office of Civil Defense, he was honoured a year later with the Severino and Paz Koh Lectureship Award for Science by the Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering. Pushing forward, he is a leading voice in advocating for legislation to convert the UP Resilience Institute into a fully funded National Climate Resilience Institute, ensuring that science-based climate maps are utilised nationwide. Through continued fieldwork in areas such as Batanes and community engagement in Naga City, he tirelessly promotes nature-based solutions and science-informed governance, underscoring the critical importance of scientific evidence in policy-making and securing the nation’s resilience for future generations.

Lagmay aims to build strong partnerships with government agencies and local government units to find more effective flood control solutions, including the promotion of nature-based solutions and a watershed (ridge to reef) approach.