• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A Community-based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS) in Bacolod City solidified the collaboration between the city government and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST PAG-ASA) through a signed Memorandum of Understanding.
The CBFEWS project was presented by DOST-PAGASA Hydro-meteorology Division in August, which aims to strengthen the city’s disaster risk reduction and management efforts.
“These will provide real-time, localized data on rainfall and water levels enabling us to respond faster, plan smarter, and protect calamity-prone areas more efficiently and effectively,” Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
A target of 9 rain gauges will be installed around Bacolod, mostly in schools of Alangilan, Estefania, Paglaum, and the command center, which was previously stated by City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan.
In addition, 7 water level monitoring in bridges near NGC, Pahanocoy, Banago, and Sum-ag; and warning posts will also be installed to ensure that timely information reaches residents in flood-prone areas.
“With this system, Bacolod will finally have the tools to make timely, informed decisions grounded in science and guided by technology,” he added.
Gasataya signed the MOU with DOST-PAGASA during the opening of the “Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Nationwide Exposition 2025 – Visayas Leg,” yesterday, at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City.*
