Molugan, El Salvador City – April 4, 2025 — In a landmark event for disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) officially launched the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning System (CDORBFFWS) on Friday.
The facility, located in Molugan, El Salvador City, features a state-of-the-art flood forecasting and early warning system. Equipped with enhanced technologies—including additional telemetered and more durable rainfall and water level monitoring stations, as well as X-Band radars—the system is designed to monitor real-time data across the entire Cagayan de Oro River Basin, from upstream to downstream.
These advancements are crucial in providing timely and accurate flood bulletins and warnings to vulnerable communities, particularly during extreme weather events.
DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando recalled the devastation brought by Typhoon Sendong in 2011, which claimed thousands of lives in Northern Mindanao. “The catastrophic typhoon also served as a reminder of the urgent need to establish a more systematic and comprehensive network of flood monitoring and warning systems,” he said.
The project was made possible through the assistance of the Government of Japan via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with local government units and various national agencies.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya emphasized his country’s enduring commitment to disaster resilience, particularly in Mindanao. “Disaster risk reduction remains a key area of cooperation between our countries. This project highlights our shared goal of protecting lives, livelihoods, and regional development,” he said.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. echoed the importance of the facility in strengthening community preparedness. “This project marks a significant step forward in disaster risk reduction and response—ensuring that we protect people’s lives, livelihoods, and the economic development of your region,” he said during the ceremony.
The launch was attended by national and local officials, partner agency representatives, and community stakeholders. Key highlights included the blessing of the CDORBFFWS, the unveiling of the facility marker, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a guided tour of the new forecasting center.
The Importance of Modern Flood Forecasting Facilities
As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, modern flood forecasting and warning systems have become indispensable tools for saving lives and minimizing disaster-related losses.
Facilities like the CDORBFFWS play a vital role in:
- Early Warning and Timely Evacuation: By issuing precise and prompt flood warnings, authorities can facilitate timely evacuations, preventing casualties and injuries.
- Community Preparedness: Accurate forecasts empower communities to prepare, reducing panic and confusion during emergencies.
- Protection of Livelihoods and Infrastructure: Reliable data helps safeguard farmlands, businesses, and public infrastructure from flood-related damage.
- Informed Decision-Making: Local governments and disaster response teams can use real-time information for effective planning and resource deployment.
- Climate Resilience: Long-term monitoring contributes to better understanding of weather patterns, helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
With the inauguration of CDORBFFWS, Northern Mindanao takes a giant leap toward becoming a more disaster-resilient region, standing as a model for similar initiatives across the country.