DOST implements technology-based projects

MANILA, Philippines - A comprehensive three-dimensional hazard mapping, a locally-developed train, and a Filipino-made mobile application for weather and flood alerts were among the technology-based projects implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 2012.

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the agency was able to develop appropriate technology that would serve the needs of the Filipinos.

“In all our projects, we tapped into the scientific competence and technical creativity of our scientists, engineers and researchers by coming out with unique, world-class interventions that are proudly Philippine-made,” Montejo said.

Project ‘NOAH’

The DOST, in partnership with the University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Geological Sciences and the UP College of Engineering, launched last July Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), a website that provides the public more accurate, real-time weather information.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) recently commended the government’s improved early warning system, specifically Project NOAH, during the onslaught of typhoon “Pablo” early this month.

“Project NOAH has enabled central government agencies, local governments units and citizens to prepare and act before intense weather arrives. It involves dissemination through television and the Internet of real-time satellite information,” the UN agency said.

The DOST also partnered with Smart Communications for the country’s first ever mobile phone application that provides flood warnings and real-time weather forecasts.

The mobile application was developed by former DOST scholar Rolly Rulete, a Computer Science graduate from the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.

3D Mapping

Last Nov. 22, the DOST began its P1-billion comprehensive mapping project aimed at identifying hazard-prone areas in the country.

Dubbed DREAM or Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation Program, the country’s first three dimensional (3D) mapping program aims to determine areas prone to flooding and other natural hazards.

DREAM program leader Enrico Paringit said the project uses the LiDAR system, the most effective technique to accurately measure elevation and depth critical to flood modeling.

“This is what Google maps or Google Earth lacks: a 3D coordinate. It has a few 3D maps but only for select cities, like New York in the US,” Paringit said.

The DREAM – developed by Filipino scientists and engineers – is one of the most extensive 3D mappings in Southeast Asia, he said.

AGT

DOST and UP officials led the test run of the country’s first locally developed train – the Automated Guideway Transit or AGT – inside the UP campus in Diliman, Quezon City on Dec. 14.

The train’s 465-meter guide way or test track stretches from the College of Fine Arts to C.P. Garcia Avenue, where it makes a 25-meter radius curve toward the University Avenue where the tracks stop.

The agency aims to come up with a Filipino-developed mass transit system to help decongest roads and reduce transport costs in the country. The testing stage is expected to be complete by June next year.

“We went out to prove that we can stand on two-legs: whether it is the trailblazing and now UN-acclaimed DOST-Project NOAH, testing of the first-ever automated guide way transport system (AGT), or the start of the 3D mapping of the Philippines using LiDAR, we were able to show that through high value-added innovations, DOST is here to develop appropriate technology that will serve the needs of the Filipino people,” Montejo said.

He said 1,000 sensors (600 automatic rain gauges, 400 water level sensors) targeted under Project NOAH have been completed and are now being deployed. More river flood systems after Marikina, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, will be launched in 2013 and integrated into the program.

He said the agency’s High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) program is in place and would be prioritized to cover areas in agriculture, health and transport among others.

The science department also launched this year the Makibayan (Makina at Teknolohiya para sa Bayan) initiative to help micro, small and medium enterprises boost their productions.

“Initially, we targeted the food processing sector but will extend to other industries next year, again using local and appropriate technology to keep costs low yet not sacrificing quality,” the DOST chief said.

The agency also introduced its “TUKLAS LUnas” program to identify and develop life-saving drugs from natural sources provided by the country’s biodiversity.

“We are looking for more lagundi and sambong to boost the country’s medicine box from locally sourced and natural materials and to look into its commercial potentials,” Montejo said.

The agency also launched its Pinoy complementary foods program using low-cost and high-energy complementary foods to combat malnutrition.

“We are moving our technologies from the labs to the intended beneficiaries – making sure ‘ramdam ni Juan ang siyensiya at teknolohiya’ (Juan feels the benefits of science and tehnology),” said Montejo.

‘Smarter Philippines’

For 2013, the DOST has allocated P500 million for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SET-UP project.

The agency has also identified roadmaps in the area of research and development, specifically on emerging technology like Genomics and Nanotechnology.

“We continue to nurture the best Filipino minds and instill in them the belief that we cannot only catch up but also actually compete in the global stage in these emerging technologies,” Montejo said.

“In 2013, we will be unveiling the Smarter Philippines program, an umbrella program that will put current and future DOST initiatives that are generally ICT-based to provide the tools for growth and improve the quality of life all over the country,” he added.