The University of the Philippines (UP) System received P1 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to boost the artificial-intelligence capabilities of Project NOAH, which can be used to make faster flood forecasting and disaster prevention response.
In a statement, DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon said that the funding will help the government to have better tools to predict flooding and other hazards that may cost lives.
“Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na tumaas ang tubig bago tayo kumilos. The goal is to know where the danger is, who is at risk, and what needs to be done before disaster strikes,” said De Leon.
P935 million of the P1 billion received by the UP System will be used for research services, while P65 million will fund general management and supervision of project implementation.
It can be recalled that NOAH was praised for using technologies such as AI-enhanced modeling, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping, and data analytics for real-time hazard assessments and predicting flood scenarios to help the government with its decision-making in disaster preparation and response.
“The best disaster management is when we are able to prevent disasters from becoming a catastrophe. Every peso we invest in better forecasting and preparedness can help save lives, protect livelihoods, and avoid far greater losses later on,” he said.
“We cannot stop typhoons or heavy rains from coming, but with the right information at the right time, we can reduce their impact. That is what we want public funds to deliver—not simply resources after a disaster, but greater protection before it happens,” he added.