Authorities are eyeing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technology to enhance disaster prediction, preparedness, and response in the country.
But the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also highlighted the need to integrate modern technology with local and indigenous knowledge to further improve weather forecasts and risk assessments.
In a statement, the DENR said the use of satellites, drones, and AI will provide disaster and risk reduction managers the necessary information in the general effort to save as many people in times of natural calamities and other disasters.
“AI has become crucial to achieving resilience with the growing frequency of disasters. As climate change intensifies disaster risks, integrating technologies like AI and space-based systems into our DRR strategies is vital for a safer, more resilient future,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
Yulo-Loyzaga said various modern equipment will be in the spotlight during this year’s Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) from Oct. 14-18 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“APMCDRR serves as a platform for collaboration on solutions that protect both people and the environment. This will spotlight how satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) can transform disaster risk reduction (DRR),” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
“The conference will highlight how AI, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite technologies, and local and indigenous knowledge can improve weather forecasts and risk assessments,” she added.
In recent years, the Philippines has advanced its disaster management through AI-powered tools, including initiatives under GeoRisk Philippines, a multi-agency initiative led by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
It was created to provide protocols and platforms to share hazards, exposure, and other risk information to help people, communities, local governments, and national agencies prepare and plan how to reduce the risks from natural hazards.
Yulo-Loyzaga said these innovations are aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and is aimed at reducing disaster risks and protect lives and livelihoods.
“The discussions will also emphasize blending modern technology with nature-based solutions and traditional practices to safeguard ecosystems from climate impacts—an issue especially relevant to the Philippines, local and indigenous knowledge,” the DENR chief said.