Iloilo early warning system inaugurated

FLOOD prone areas in Iloilo province are better prepared for flashfloods and other ecological disaster using the early warning and monitoring system (EWMS) granted by the Korean government to the Iloilo provincial government.

The EWS was inaugurated Friday morning at the Iloilo provincial capitol. Leading the dignitaries are Korean Ambassador Choi Joong-Kyung, Korean International Agency (KOICA) Resident Representative Kim In, Department of Science and Technology Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro and Governor Niel Tupas Sr.
Iloilo Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) deputized coordinator Jerry Bionat said the EWMS is one of the only three projects established in the country. The other systems are in Baler, Quezon which was inaugurated February 27, 2009 and in Agus Lake Lanao Watershed.

Jerry Bionat, executive secretary of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Iloilo, explain the operations of the Early Warning and Monitoring System for Disaster Mitigation to national and local officials Friday. (Photo by Tara Yap)

All three projects have a total cost of P15 million granted by KOICA.

Nathaniel Servando, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) deputy administrator for research and development, said the project is composed of 6 rain gauges, and 2 water level gauges and an Automatic Weather Station (AWS). Read more…