The newly allocated ₱1 billion budget for Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) is set to advance the country’s flood forecasting systems while safeguarding public funds by evaluating flood control proposals prior to construction.
In a television interview, Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay stated that the funding boost will upgrade their artificial intelligence-driven modeling platforms, enabling the production of high-resolution hazard maps and detailed analytical data.
Lagmay noted that these technical enhancements will help the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) design flood management infrastructure tailored to actual topography and simulated water behavior.
“Sa makatuwid ang mangyayari ay bago pa tayo gumastos ng bilyun-bilyong piso doon sa imprastruktura ay nakikita na natin kung tama ba iyong intervention na kontra-baha at hindi tayo kailangang gumastos nang pagkalaki-laki na wala din naman mapupuntahan,” Lagmay explained.
“Ito ay local expertise, ito ay pinopondohan ng taxpayers’ money para sa ganoong paraan iyong ating mga interventions sa flood management ay hindi lang masasayang o alam na natin bago pa tayo gumastos ay kung magiging epektibo o hindi,” he added.
Project NOAH leverages LiDAR mapping, data analytics, and digital monitoring tools to provide real-time risk evaluations and science-backed disaster preparation data.
Released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the University of the Philippines (UP) System under the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act, the ₱1 billion fund allocates ₱935 million for research services and ₱65 million for administrative and operational oversight.
The DBM confirmed that the budget covers high-level ICT and scientific equipment acquisitions, technical staffing, and system upgrades for the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), which manages the project.