To intensify disaster risk reduction, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Local Government Unit of Mambajao signs Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to install early warning devices in strategic locations of the municipality. The MOA provisions the deployment of the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) developed Automatic Rain Gauge and Water Level Monitoring System as well as the installation of a communication system.
The Automated Rain Gauge Station is a stand-alone system that can gather and gauge the amount of rainfall and automatically send data via text message to a central database server on a predetermined interval. It also records duration, and intensity. ARGs also measure the air pressure and temperature, and use solar panels. The collected rainfall data may be seen through a visualization portal or can also be retrieved through manual means such as USB retrieval.
The WLMS measures water level in rivers through an ultrasonic sensor. It can be used as a source of data to signal potential danger and evacuation to communities. Like the ARG, its data may be seen through a portal or through USB retrieval.
The portal mentioned is accessible through this link: http://philsensors.asti.dost.gov.ph/. The same website allows you to access the hydrometeorological devices’ status installed across the country.
This project also includes provision of radio communication technologies and the formulation of a contingency plan in case of a volcanic eruption in the province of Camiguin. Stakeholders involved in the contingency planning activity are Provincial DRRM office, Municipal DRRM Office, Office of the Congressman, Office of Civil Defense, and the Department of Health.
The DOST assistance amounting to three million was funded under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST). The LGU has committed to provide support in the infrastructure, specifically on the installation of pole mast for the repeater, including the parameter fence of the WLMS and ARG. They will also be funding all maintenance expenses of the project.
Training activities included in the MOA are the orientation by DOST-PAGASA, seminars on Restricted Land Mobile (RLM) Government Radio Operators Certificate (GROC), and Basic Maintenance of Radio Equipment will also be conducted with the National Telecommunications Commission.
These technologies and activities are envisioned to reduce the risk of natural disasters that may affect the 10,746 households in Mambajao.
Mayor Yñigo Jesus D. Romualdo warmly welcomed DOST’s planned intervention and committed to providing all the necessary support for the successful implementation of the project. “A big thanks to DOST for strengthening Mambajao’s disaster preparedness through this new CEST project”, he said.
Present at the MOA signing were Mayor Romualdo, Provincial S&T Director Joanne Katherine R. Banaag, LDRRMO Raquel B. Ranara, and Municipal Accountant Gilbert L. Grado during the Joint Municipal Development and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1st Quarter 2023 Full Council Meeting last February 17, 2023. This was held at the municipal building of Mambajao, Camiguin. (Nice Nerjay Callo/DOST10)
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