CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with Mindoro State University (MinSU), is set to install additional e-weather stations in the various municipalities of Oriental Mindoro, particularly in Naujan and Calapan City, in the coming months.
In an interview with PIA, DOST Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Jesse Pine said that this initiative aims to enhance local disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts through real-time weather monitoring.
An e-weather station is automated facility equipped with sensors to measure and transmit weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall. These stations provide local government units (LGUs) and disaster response agencies with crucial data that can aid in early warning systems and disaster risk reduction.
This planned expansion follows the success of Project MOSES (Monitoring and Observation of Site-specific E-weather Stations), initially implemented by MinSU. The project, funded by DOST-MIMAROPA, aims to establish a network of real-time weather monitoring systems to support disaster response efforts.
Pine highlighted the significance of expanding the network of e-weather stations.
“Ico-compliment niya [Project MOSES] ang mga installed weather monitoring stations, hindi ito ilalagay para mangibabaw sa lahat ng weather monitoring stations, bagkus ito ay mag-compliment. Kasi minsan mayroong pumapalya. Alam niyo naman ang mga weather monitoring stations, kapag naluluma na, nag ba-bug down ang iba dito, kung kaya, maganda na ito ay ma-augment” he said.
Pine added that discussions are ongoing regarding the deployment of more e-weather stations across the province, particularly in flood-prone and typhoon-vulnerable areas.
“May proposal ulit kami na mag-pondo naman at mag-gawa at dito ilalagay sa Calapan, ka-tie up naman namin dito ang local government unit ng Calapan City. Inihahanda lamang namin ang project proposal,” he said.
The project is expected to boost the capability of LGUs and disaster management offices in tracking weather disturbances, issuing early warnings, and mitigating potential hazards. The expansion aligns with the national government’s efforts to integrate science and technology into disaster resilience strategies. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
