MANILA, Philippines – The Embassy of Japan, together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), inaugurated the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, located in Misamis Oriental, with the goal of “improving information accuracy” and “to provide relevant flood bulletins and warnings to affected communities in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.”
The inauguration was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya, together with DOST Secretary Renator Solidum, Jr.
According to the embassy, the Center was established through a Japanese grant aid as part of the “Project for Improving Flood Forecasting and Warning System for Cagayan de Oro River Basin” (CDO FFWS).”
Implemented by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the project provides additional X-band radars, rainfall gauging stations, and an upgraded telecommunication network along the Cagayan de Oro River Basin to further strengthen disaster preparedness efforts, the embassy added.
The expanded FFWS is expected to substantially improve information accuracy and provide relevant flood bulletins and warnings to affected communities in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, the embassy explained.
“Disaster risk reduction remains a key area of cooperation between our countries, and I hope this initiative will raise public awareness and encourage further investment in disaster mitigation in the Philippines,” Ambassador Endo said.
“Our shared commitment to building a sustainable, disaster-resilient future will continue to guide our partnership in the years to come,” he added.
According to the embassy, Japan continues to be the Philippines’ top Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor, providing assistance across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, flood control, disaster preparedness, and environment.
The embassy also emphasized Japan’s “steady” support for the peace process in Mindanao through various ODA initiatives that aim to boost the socio-economic development of the region.
“This project is also a testament to the enduring and strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, aimed at creating long-term solutions for the country’s most pressing challenges,” the Embassy of Japan mentioned.
(Photo courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the Philippines)
Earlier, then Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda and Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano signed and exchanged notes on June 13, 2018, providing the Philippines JPY 1.278 billion (approximately 608 million pesos**) grant for the said project.
In a release from the Embassy of Japan, it stated that the said grant is expected “to substantially improve information accuracy and provide technical support to the CDO operational system for flood forecasting and disaster prevention.”
The project aims to strengthen the ability of CDO against future risks of flash floods, mud slides and other negative impacts, thus contributing to sustainable development in the region, the embassy explained.
** From BSP: PHP-JPY Exchange Rate = 0.4755 (2018 May average)
** 238 million yen (approximately 113 million pesos) in 2018 and 325 million yen (approximately 155 million pesos) in 2019
