The local government of Bacolod City and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a partnership on Monday to establish a community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) in the city.
The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. during this year's Handa Pilipinas-Visayas leg held in Bacolod City.
“Normally, the LGU (local government unit) receives data either from Cebu or from Manila [Usually, LGUs get their data either from Cebu or from Manila]“Mr Gastaya said during the programme.
“In urban areas like Bacolod, time is of the essence in making sound, data-based and science-driven decisions and making decisions.”
CBFEWS is a cost-effective, easy to set up and people-centric mechanism that empowers communities and local governments to monitor flood risks.
It uses real-time data from rainfall and river levels collected through monitoring stations located in flood-prone areas such as river systems and coastal barangays, to send early alerts and give residents adequate time to prepare. , Age Adrian A Eva
