GOV.PH
zIn a continued effort to strengthen disaster resilience and promote community safety through technological innovation, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), Forum de Religiosos para la Salud Organization Inc. (FRS), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balatan formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the second phase of โProject Apaw: Harnessing Micro-Weather Forecasting and Flood Detection with AI and Data Analytics for Cabungan and Montenegro Spillway, Balatan, Camarines Sur, Philippines.โ The agreement covers a total funding allocation of Php 979,236.00 and marks another significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of the three institutions to mitigate flood-related risks in vulnerable communities.
The MOA signing ceremony was held on March 31, 2026 in Balatan, Camarines Sur, bringing together key stakeholders from the funding, implementing, and cooperating agencies. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to develop sustainable and proactive disaster risk reduction mechanisms.
Project APAW, now entering its second phase, builds upon the successes and insights gained from its initial implementation. The project aims to enhance localized disaster preparedness by deploying micro-weather forecasting systems and flood detection technologies tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the area. Specifically, Phase 2 will focus on the installation of two additional data collection sites in Cabungan and Montenegro spillway. These sites are strategically selected due to their susceptibility to flooding and their importance in providing early warning signals to nearby communities.
The expansion of data collection points is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of flood forecasting in the municipality. By integrating real-time environmental data with AI-driven analytics, the system will be capable of generating early warnings that can help residents and local authorities take preventive measures, ultimately reducing potential damage to lives and property.
The Forum de Religiosos para la Salud Organization Inc. (FRS), as the funding agency, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community welfare and resilience. Representing FRS during the ceremony were Alfonso Nuรฑez Corvinos, FRS Philippines Coordinator, and Reynato S. Caรฑo, FRS Local Coordinator. Both emphasized the importance of investing in innovative, community-centered solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.
The LGU of Balatan, serving as the cooperating agency, expressed strong support for the project. Municipal Mayor Hon. Domingo T. Abliter highlighted the relevance of Project APAW in safeguarding the municipality against recurring flood risks, particularly in low-lying and high-risk areas. He was joined by Atty. Domingo Saldo Jr., Municipal Treasurer and Municipal Administrator Designee, who reiterated the LGUโs commitment to ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of the project.
As the implementing agency, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges continues to demonstrate leadership in research and community extension. The institution was represented by Dr. Amado A. Oliva, Jr., SUC President III, and Dr. Challiz D. Omorog, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration. Both officials underscored the role of academic institutions in driving innovation and translating research into practical solutions that directly benefit communities.
Also present during the MOA signing were key members of the CSPC leadership and the Project APAW team. Among them were Dr. Jocelyn O. Jintalan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Joseph Jessie S. Oรฑate, Head of the AI Research Center for Community Development; and Rosel O. Onesa, Dean of the College of Computer Studies. Their presence highlighted the strong institutional backing behind the project and the collaborative spirit that fuels its implementation.
The Phase 2 implementation team is led by Project Leader Ms. Kaela Marie N. Fortuno, alongside technical staff members Hazel V. Reyes and Roner P. Abanil. Supporting the projectโs extension and community engagement components are CCS Extensionists Tiffany Lyn O. Pandes and Allan Ibo Jr. Together, the team brings a diverse set of expertise in technology, research, and community development, ensuring a holistic approach to the projectโs objectives.
Project APAW exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to meaningful solutions for real-world problems. By combining technological innovation with grassroots engagement, the initiative not only addresses immediate disaster risks but also empowers communities with knowledge and tools for long-term resilience.
As climate-related challenges continue to intensify, initiatives like Project APAW serve as a model for integrating science, technology, and community partnership. The successful implementation of its second phase is expected to further strengthen Balatanโs capacity to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of floodingโultimately contributing to safer and more resilient communities in Camarines Sur.
Source: CSPC – AI Research Center for Community Development