DOST beefs up weather monitoring measures

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/30/dost-beefs-weather-monitoring-measures-416220
• Tuesday, June 30, 2015

By Ivy C. Tejano

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) beefed up its safety measures to monitor the weather condition in Davao Region due to the onset of the rainy season.

Speaking in Monday's Kapehan sa PIA at The Annex events center of SM City Davao, DOST Davao science research specialist Eric Colmenares said they will install an early warning sensor device in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental provinces.

"Last year, ang concentration namo is nasa (We concentrated last year in) water river basin-Davao River, Tagum-Libuganon and Agusan River. This year, didto na pud ta sa minor river basins, mostly, naa kini sa (We will focus on minor river basins in) Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental," Colmenares said.

"After that is the identification of the flood-prone barangays or communities kay didto ta magbutang ug kining alarm system (we will put alarm system there). We'll also have emergency communication para maka-communicate agad ang munisipyo sa atin," he added.

Colmenares said the equipment comprises automated rain gauges and automated weather stations that will be used to warn residents of impending floods due to moderate to heavy rains.

DOST earlier signed a memorandum of agreement with local government units in Davao Region regarding its 56 automated weather systems that would monitor the weather condition.

Colmenares said the bureau aims to install 1,000 hydromet sensors in the country and 100 in Davao Region this year, adding that the next batch of sensors will have alarms and lights that will alarm the residents.

Social welfare officer Erna Sampiano, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, said their office has stored 30,000 family food packs to be distributed in case of a disaster.

"We also have our social welfare assistance and development officers nga naa sa satellite offices in various areas here in the region to address the concerns of the victims in case needed," Sampiano said.

Since July is a National Disaster Consciousness Month, Office of the Civil Defense Davao Region director Rebecca Lopez said they will conduct various activities, seminars, and trainings to prepare the region in case of any disaster.

Davao Bureau of Fire Protection Chief of Operation Fire Inspector Nestor Jimenez said they will conduct massive inspection here to ensure that all establishments have adequate fire exits and safety measures.