2 Iloilo towns receive water sensor network systems
Published Feb 2, 2020 12:00 am
By Dhel Nazario
Two towns in Iloilo have recently received real-time water sensor network systems that will be monitoring the water quality and water level in 22 wells.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inauguration of two water sensor network systems in the towns of Pavia and San Miguel in Iloilo.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña (TOTO LOZANO/ Presidential Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) is spearheaded by the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in collaboration and funded by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD), classified under the Climate Change Infrastructure Program of the latter.
The groundwater reservoirs of the Philippines provide  more than 50 percent of the potable water and 85 percent of the piped water supplies in the country. It is strategically and economically important to current and future water resources and is the principal source during dry seasons, which in turn are often used for potable supply. However, certain challenges like increasing urban population and climate change emerge which affect the groundwater supply.
According to a study on Philippine water resource management by JICA Philippines and NWRB in 1998, Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City were identified as water critical areas.
The installation of these systems allows for the remote management of groundwater resources to improve management capabilities of the NWRB. The projects aim to establish and set-up a cost-effective, real-time automated monitoring system for NWRB ground water monitoring wells in Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City.
"This initiative serves as the first step to effectively asess, conserve, manage, and monitor our groundwater reservoirs," said Secretary de la Peña.
DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said not too many scientists take on the challenge of monitoring groundwater resources. He also emphasized that "groundwater should be protected and managed efficiently".
Real-time monitoring of data can be accessed at admuwater.com.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña (TOTO LOZANO/ Presidential Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) is spearheaded by the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in collaboration and funded by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD), classified under the Climate Change Infrastructure Program of the latter.
The groundwater reservoirs of the Philippines provide  more than 50 percent of the potable water and 85 percent of the piped water supplies in the country. It is strategically and economically important to current and future water resources and is the principal source during dry seasons, which in turn are often used for potable supply. However, certain challenges like increasing urban population and climate change emerge which affect the groundwater supply.
According to a study on Philippine water resource management by JICA Philippines and NWRB in 1998, Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City were identified as water critical areas.
The installation of these systems allows for the remote management of groundwater resources to improve management capabilities of the NWRB. The projects aim to establish and set-up a cost-effective, real-time automated monitoring system for NWRB ground water monitoring wells in Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City.
"This initiative serves as the first step to effectively asess, conserve, manage, and monitor our groundwater reservoirs," said Secretary de la Peña.
DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said not too many scientists take on the challenge of monitoring groundwater resources. He also emphasized that "groundwater should be protected and managed efficiently".
Real-time monitoring of data can be accessed at admuwater.com.