Gov’t releases P1-B fund for Project Noah

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1 billion to the University of the Philippines (UP) for Project Noah’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring.

The DBM made the announcement as the country prepares for Typhoon Obet (international name: Saudel), although it is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility within 12 hours.

“Obet will remain far from the Philippine landmass,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.

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Moving west-northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), the typhoon is currently packing a maximum wind speed of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.

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In a statement, the DBM said that funding for Project Noah reinforces government efforts to shift disaster management from response to risk anticipation and hazard prevention.

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“This … is an investment in prevention. We are putting science, AI, and real-time hazard information to work so [the] government can act earlier, communities can prepare better, and more Filipino lives and livelihoods can be protected,” acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said.

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“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 added.

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Of the P1 billion, P935 million will be used to support research services while the rest will fund general management and supervision for the implementation of Project Noah, the DBM said.

Implemented by the UP Resilience Institute, Project Noah advances disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation through research, development and extension services.

The program harnesses AI-enhanced modeling, Lidar mapping, data analytics and other digital technologies to generate real-time hazard assessments, predictive flood scenarios and science-based information.

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“The funding will support the procurement and deployment of critical ICT, digital, technical and scientific equipment; the engagement of highly specialized technical personnel; and the establishment of operational support systems needed to strengthen the country’s hazard assessment and forecasting capabilities,” the DBM said. /cb