University of Luzon Explores Partnership with Pangasinan PDRRMO for Flood Mitigation

The University of Luzon recently initiated a visit to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Pangasinan PDRRMO) facility in Lingayen on May 12, 2023. Led by Engr. Geronimo Carvajal, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Angel Samson Reyna Jr., Director for International Relations, UL representatives engaged in discussions regarding a potential governmental-private partnership aimed at enhancing flood mitigation efforts and evaluating and managing associated risks. This collaborative endeavor involves the participation of professors from UL, Pangasinan PDRRMO, and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), with a particular focus on real-time flood warning technology.

During the visit, Engr. Geronimo Carvajal and Angel Samson Reyna Jr. engaged in productive discussions with Pangasinan PDRRMO officials. The primary objective was to explore opportunities for collaboration in addressing flood-related challenges and establishing effective risk management strategies. Notably, UL’s College of Engineering, renowned for its expertise in relevant fields, played a crucial role in facilitating these discussions.

The discussions centered around the development and implementation of real-time flood warning technology. By leveraging the expertise of UL professors, Pangasinan PDRRMO, and PAGASA, the collaborative project aims to create an advanced system capable of monitoring and forecasting floods in real-time. This technology will significantly enhance the region’s disaster response capabilities, enabling timely evacuation and resource allocation during flood events.

It is important to highlight that the partnership between UL, Pangasinan PDRRMO, and PAGASA is still in the planning stage and has not yet been executed. The visit served as an initial step towards establishing a framework for cooperation and laying the groundwork for future endeavors in flood mitigation and risk evaluation.

The University of Luzon’s visit to the Pangasinan PDRRMO facility on May 12, 2023, marks a significant milestone in fostering a potential governmental-private partnership. With a specific focus on flood mitigation, the collaboration seeks to harness the expertise of UL professors, Pangasinan PDRRMO, and PAGASA to develop a state-of-the-art real-time flood warning technology. This initiative demonstrates UL’s commitment to leveraging its resources and knowledge for the betterment of local communities and their resilience in the face of natural disasters. As the discussions progress, the partnership holds the promise of transforming flood response and management practices in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants.