By Robina Asido

El Salvador City -- At least P300 million (930 million yen) worth of flood forecasting and warning system funded by the Japanese government was officially inaugurated in Misamis Oriental on Friday.

The province's capital, Cagayan de Oro, was the scene of calamitous flooding in December 2011 where at least one thousand persons perished.

The project which was funded thru the grant aid program of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) includes the establishment of two X-Band radars, seven telemetered rainfall and water level gauging stations, six telemetered rainfall gauging stations located in different areas of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon province.

It also includes the "establishment of backbone telecommunication network dedicated for data transmission between the monitoring stations to the PAGASA-Cagayan De Oro River Basin flood forecasting and warning center in Barangay Molugan, El Salvador, the Cagayan De Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDO CDRRMO) in Cagayan De Oro City and the Main Operation Center-Flood Forecasting and Warning Center , Quezon City as well as the transmission of radar image from the X-Band radars'' to the warning center.

During the inauguration, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum led the blessing, ribbon cutting and unveiling of marker of the Cagayan De Oro River Basin flood forecasting and warning center.

Solidum said the project "marks a significant step" in protecting people's lives, livelihood and the economic development in the region.

"This early warning system equipped with state of the art technology will prepare our communities for the risk pose by flooding and other hydro metrological hazards. With two X-Band radars, 13 telemetered rainfall and water level monitoring stations and a dedicated data transmission network we are strengthening our ability to provide timely and accurate flood advisories," he said.

Solidum said the "system will empower communities and disaster risk managers with real time critical information enabling swept and effective responses. "

"This facility is more than just a technological milestone it is a beacon of hope and security for thousands of Filipinos here in Misamis Oriental who have long faced the risk of flooding and extreme weather events," he added.

However, Solidum also urge the local government and communities to do their part as he emphasized the importance of their involvement in disaster response and preparedness.

"For our government and community partners technology is one thing but the involvement of our community in terms of preparedness and actual exercises will strengthen the impact of this flood warning system. I request that all of us need to do our part so that we can ensure that we are safe even the despite the passage of the beast the typhoons and floods that may come our way," he said.

In his speech, Endo congratulated the people in the province for the successful completion of the project which he hopes "will raise public awareness and encourage further investment in disaster mitigation in the Philippines."

"I would like to congratulate the people of Cagayan de Oro on the successful completion of the Project for Improving Flood Forecasting and Warning System for Cagayan De Oro River Basin, which includes this Flood Forecasting and Warning Center," he said.

Endo noted that "this initiative is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of communities, especially as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters continue to pose challenges to the country’s socio-economic development."

"As we approach the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations next year, I am confident this milestone will further strengthen the bond between our nations," he said.

"Our shared commitment to building a sustainable, disaster-resilient future will continue to guide our partnership in the years to come, the ambassador added.

In his message, JICA Chief Representative Baba Takashi expressed belief that the project will also bring big impact in "providing investment opportunities"

"This is a major milestone in the relationship between the Philippines and Japan towards a more equitable and resilient society for all and I hope this project serves as a testament to the trust JICA has continuously developed with the Philippines as friends," he said.

The project which officially commenced on March 2023 was completed and started its operational phase in June 30, 2024.

The warranty period of the project which started in July 1, 2024 will end on June 30, 2025. Robina Asido/DMS