Project NOAH to strengthen Marikina's disaster management plans, programs

By Jimmyley I. Guzman

Saturday 7th of July 2012

MARIKINA CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- After the successful launching of Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Marikina yesterday, the city government expects that more residents will be more informed and prepared in times of disaster.

In a press statement, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman said that the project is very timely as the city is currently strengthening its disaster management plans and programs.

“It is important that everyone, including the city government, private sector, and the residents to be well-informed about possible incoming disasters. Cooperation of each and everyone of us is very important to achieve human safety,” De Guzman said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the project launch held at the Nangka Del Covered Court Balubad Settlement Phase II, Brgy. Nangka, Marikina City last July 6.

During the launch, the President expressed his full support to Project NOAH, a Filipino-made geohazard mapping tool for disaster and risk mitigation.

President Aquino was also joined by Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo, Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon, PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando, Center for Disaster Preparedness Managing Director Malu Cagay, University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus Chancellor Dr. Caesar Saloma, Project NOAH Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

NOAH is the national government’s newest project designed to serve as sentinel that will address the serious challenges brought by extreme hazard events.

The said project aims to give local government units, private companies and individuals information that can help them make informed decisions in times of disasters.

It has seven components designed to address major needs in disaster situations. These include hydromet sensors development, DREAM-Lidar, FloodNET, hazards information media, landslide hazards mapping, Doppler system development, and storm surge inundation mapping. (MARIKINA-PIO/RJB/JEG-PIA-NCR)