Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-F5T
TAGUIG CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Mapúa University launched on Friday, May 31, 2024, a 24/7 localized weather information and impact monitoring system to help the country prepare for the onslaught of the coming La Niña.
Developed by Mapúa University School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering (SCEGE) led by Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy and supported by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), DOST’s Innovation Council, this technology will help augment the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) operations as the country braces for La Niña.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. cited the importance of technology and harnessing its power.
“We believe that scientific advancements are not just about immediate responses to natural hazards and consequent disasters; they are about creating long-term solutions that reduce risks and promote sustainable development. As we face increasing disaster risks, we must move beyond traditional approaches and embrace innovations that provide solutions and open opportunities for a better tomorrow,” Solidum emphasized.
WEHLO or Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydromet Monitoring System, is among the funded technologies of the DOST-PCIEERD under the Funding Assistance for Spin-off and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) Program. The funding provided amounts to Php15 million.
Headed by Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, PCIEERD has been a major source of funds for various technologies aimed at improving Filipinos’ lives and keeping them safe from hazards.
“Innovative DRRM technologies like WEHLO play a crucial role in our disaster preparedness. As La Niña approaches, precise weather information really empowers municipalities and enhances disaster management,” said Paringit.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons every year.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), La Niña may occur during the second semester of this year as El Niño weakens. Last year, Project WEHLO and MAPUA University inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for weather data sharing with DOST-PAGASA.
In 2023, Project WEHLO already deployed and established partnerships with the Local
Government Units (LGUs) of Infanta-General Nakar, Quezon, and Pantabangan-Angat, Bulacan. The technology helps municipalities gather reliable and accurate real-time data with continuous transmission in times of disaster when bad weather conditions, signal interruptions, and power outages occur.
Unlike other existing weather monitoring systems in the country, WEHLO ensures that its system, adheres to the international standard set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Project WEHLO also developed an improved version of the Automated Real-Time Monitoring System (ARMS) sensor with the DOST-PAGASA.
“One of the advantages of this technology is that we can modify the system based on the users’ needs which means, we can manually calibrate the system and provide localized readings including rainfall, temperature, humidity, pressure, soil moisture, wind speed, wind direction, flow velocity, and water level,” said Dr. Francis Aldrin Uy, CEO of USHER Technology, Inc.
Users can access data through their web portal and mobile application with an alert warning feature.
Aside from the Disaster Risk Reduction and the Localized Weather Monitoring, WEHLO also monitors and provides data on watersheds which can be useful for dam operators and agriculture for farm management. (/)
_________
For videos and other materials from WEHLO, please check this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZYXEi7YjCB6wAq14cHIDQrYKRUx5ihNV