BACOLOD City – The city government here and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a Community-Based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS) in the city.
The MOU was signed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, representing the local government, together with City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo. Signing for the DOST was Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., joined by Deputy Administrator for Administration and Engineering Services Shirley David, who represented Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Nathaniel Servando.
Gasataya said the CBFEWS adopts a localized approach to flood preparedness, engaging community members in monitoring, predicting, and responding to potential flooding incidents.
“This project will help reduce the loss of life and property by providing timely and reliable warnings before floods occur. It ensures that alerts reach even the most remote and vulnerable areas,” the mayor said.
Under the MOU, the national government, through the DOST, will provide and install equipment for nine river monitoring systems and seven rain monitoring systems across the city. The local government will shoulder the acquisition cost of the equipment, which will be installed once the identified sites are ready.
Gasataya added that the monitoring devices will be placed along major rivers and other strategic locations identified by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
He emphasized that the system’s community-based approach allows for quicker and more accurate decision-making during emergencies, particularly in situations of rising water levels.
The signing of the MOU was among the highlights of the four-day Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Innovation in Climate and Disaster Resilience National Exposition 2025 (Visayas Leg), held from October 27 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.
With the theme “Padayon Visayas: Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a Resilient, Unified, and Sustainable Visayas,” the event also gathered various government officials and stakeholders, including Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who graced the opening ceremony./PN
