Photo above courtesy of Dr. Mahar Lagmay’s social media post
February 5, 2026 — The Oplan Kontra Baha Summit brought together government agencies, private partners, and technical experts to address the ongoing flooding challenges in Metro Manila. The event highlighted the urgent need for multi-faceted strategies that combine engineering, science, technology, heavy machinery, and public behavior changes to mitigate the adverse impacts of flooding on communities. Representatives from various organizations, including the DPWH-NCR, MMDA, DENR, San Miguel Corporation, and NLEX Corporation, presented updates on ongoing initiatives, such as clearing clogged drainage systems and desilting waterways. The summit served as a platform to showcase innovations that support strategic planning for flood mitigation.
Among the keynote speakers was Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of UPRI-NOAH, who introduced the “NOAH x Flood Intelligence” dashboard. He emphasized the importance of integrating data, technology, and science-based approaches to support Oplan Kontra Baha. This platform enables decision-makers to translate flood scenarios into actionable strategies that effectively reduce the adverse impacts on communities and infrastructure. Unlike traditional flood maps, which only indicate areas at risk of inundation, this tool evaluates which interventions will most effectively minimize harm, taking into account uncertainties and local constraints.
The platform integrates several key components:
- Scenario evidence from NOAH Flood Maps.
- A Bayesian causal model that generates a Residual Risk Index.
- A cost-benefit analysis that converts reduced risk into financial terms for prioritization and investment decisions.
This comprehensive approach makes flood mitigation planning more transparent, measurable, and actionable, enabling authorities to make evidence-based decisions and enhance anticipatory action for at-risk communities.
The “NOAH x Flood Intelligence” dashboard was developed under the leadership of Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, with substantive contributions from the UPRI Research and Creative Works (RCW) Division, represented by its Director, Dr. DJ Darwin Bandoy, and Junior Project Assistant Mr. Keanu John Pelitro. Their collaboration ensured that the resulting knowledge product is scientifically robust, transparent, and actionable, creating a clear pathway from flood scenarios to investment-ready decisions. By integrating data, technology, and governance, this platform demonstrates how UPRI research and innovation can effectively support public policy, infrastructure planning, and flood risk reduction in Metro Manila.