The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday inaugurated Mindanao’s pioneering Flood Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) in Misamis Oriental province, a project funded by the Japanese government.

In his speech, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the early warning system, which is now upgraded with state-of-the-art technology, addresses the fears and uncertainties caused by past typhoons with science-based solutions.

Solidum said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded the project with an estimated 930,000 Japanese yen, equivalent to around PHP361,000.

Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Kazuya Endo, attended the inauguration.

“JICA, along with the commitment of DOST-PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and our local government partners, marks a significant step forward in disaster risk reduction and response,” he said.

The Cagayan de Oro River Basin FFWS is located at the PAGASA Mindanao Regional Services Division in Barangay Molugan, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental province.

The facility serves as a state-of-the-art flood forecasting, early warning, and monitoring system of DOST-PAGASA.

It covers the Cagayan de Oro River Basin, the 16th largest river basin among the 18 major river basins in the country, encompassing an estimated area of 1,521 square kilometers and extending 90 kilometers in length. (PNA)