As various government agencies beging tackling preparations for the onset of the La Niña phenomenon, the Department of Science and Technology on Friday, May 31, launched "WEHLO" or Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydromet Monitoring System.
According to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., the technology came in time amid the announcement that there is a 69 percent chance that a “weak to moderate” La Niña will develop in the July-August-September 2024 season.
"So timing din ito kasi nga maulan kailangan din natin ng localized monitoring. Kaya nga napakaganda rin ng nangyari from the research na ginawa ng iba't ibang project leaders here in Mapua naconsolidate into something that is already translated that can be used by the local government (What happened here was a great development since various research endeavors of different project leaders here in Mapua was consolidated into something that can be used by the local government)," he said.
Solidum also mentioned how this new technology can add information that can be used by the local governments in "localizing" the weather and climate data that they can use in planning and decision-making.
He added that while the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) remains as the national weather and climate monitoring and advisory agency, when it comes to micro-climate, it's not the same since local governments have differing topographies.
"We have to put into context. Yung rainfall data, needed ng lahat but how it will affect the area will be different based on topography," he said.
What can WEHLO do?
WEHLO, a 24/7 localized weather information and impact monitoring system that can help the country prepare for the damage that can be caused by upcoming La Niña. It can provide real-time and dependable weather data to local communities, businesses, and government agencies.
Developed by Mapúa University School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering led by Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy and supported by the DOST – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), this technology will help augment the country's disaster risk reduction and management operations.
“We believe that scientific advancements are not just about immediate responses to natural hazards and consequent disasters; they are about creating long-term solutions that reduce risks and promote sustainable development. As we face increasing disaster risks, we must move beyond traditional approaches and embrace innovations that provide solutions and open opportunities for a better tomorrow” DOST Secretary, Solidum Jr. said.
WEHLO is among the funded technologies of the DOST-PCIEERD under the Funding Assistance for Spin-off and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) Program. The funding provided amounts to P15 million.
“Innovative DRRM technologies like WEHLO play a crucial role in our disaster preparedness. As La Niña approaches, precise weather information really empowers municipalities and enhances disaster management,” said DOST– PCIEERD Executive Director, Dr. Enrico Paringit.
WEHLO endeavors
Last year, Project WEHLO and MAPUA University inked a memorandum of agreement for weather data sharing with DOST-PAGASA.
In 2023, Project WEHLO already deployed and established partnerships with the Local
Government Units (LGUs) of Infanta-General Nakar, Quezon, and Pantabangan-Angat, Bulacan. The technology helps municipalities gather reliable and accurate real-time data with continuous transmission in times of disaster when bad weather conditions, signal interruptions, and power outages occur.
Unlike other existing weather monitoring systems in the country, WEHLO ensures that its system adheres to the international standard set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Project WEHLO also developed an improved version of the Automated Real-Time Monitoring System (ARMS) sensor with the DOST-PAGASA.
“One of the advantages of this technology is that we can modify the system based on the users’ needs which means, we can manually calibrate the system and provide localized readings including rainfall, temperature, humidity, pressure, soil moisture, wind speed, wind direction, flow velocity, and water level,” said Dr. Uy, CEO of USHER Technology Inc.
Users can access data through their web portal and mobile application with an alert warning feature.
Aside from the Disaster Risk Reduction and the Localized Weather Monitoring, WEHLO also monitors and provides data on watersheds which can be useful for dam operators and agriculture for farm management.