P1-billion boost for Project NOAH targets early flood warnings
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of P1 billion to strengthen Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards' (NOAH) artificial intelligence-powered flood forecasting capabilities.
The funding will also boost the project's real-time hazard monitoring and disaster prevention capabilities, the DBM said.
The budget release comes after areas in Luzon and Metro Manila were affected by flooding due to weeks of heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones.
"This P1-billion investment in Project NOAH 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," DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said in a statement on Monday, August 24.
Of the P1-billion release, P935 million will fund research services, while the remaining P65 million will go to general management and supervision.
The funding will support the acquisition and deployment of information and communications technology, digital, technical and scientific equipment, the hiring of specialized technical personnel, and the establishment of operational support systems.
The budget will be charged against the University of the Philippines System's appropriation under the 2026 national budget.
Project NOAH was launched in 2012 by the Department of Science and Technology and has been implemented by the UP Resilience Institute since 2017.
It uses AI-enhanced modeling, Light Detection and Ranging mapping, data analytics and other digital technologies to help national and local governments assess hazards, forecast flood scenarios and provide other science-based information.
"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," De Leon said.
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