The UP Resilience Institute – Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center was proud to participate in the 58th Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN58) Meeting, held from August 26–30, 2024, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Hosted by the Pakistan Education & Research Network (PERN) and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, APAN58 provided an invaluable platform for experts, researchers, and technical professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange knowledge and explore new partnerships that foster sustainable societal well-being. This event, the first in Pakistan, featured sessions and workshops on advanced network technologies and their applications across multiple fields, including disaster mitigation, where UPRI-NOAH contributed its unique expertise.
During the Disaster Mitigation Working Group (DMWG) session on August 28, Feye Andal of the UP RI – NOAH WebGIS team joined virtually and shared the evolution of NOAH, highlighting its origins as a project under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its adoption by the University of the Philippines. The presentation showcased NOAH’s latest advancements, focusing on its Impact-Based Flood Forecasting tool. This feature uses rainfall forecast data from Weather Manila to anticipate which barangays may face severe flooding, delivering vital information to bolster preparedness and response measures.
To demonstrate NOAH’s reach, the presentation also referenced Typhoon Carina, when over 2.6 million search requests for hazard information underscored the platform’s role in helping communities understand potential risks in their neighborhoods. Additionally, NOAH’s commitment to transparency through open datasets was highlighted, empowering communities, local governments, and organizations to make data-informed decisions and strengthen resilience.
The Disaster Mitigation session also featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Eric Yen of the Academia Sinica Grid Computing Centre, Engr. Noel Jerome Borlongan of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), each contributing unique perspectives on enhancing regional preparedness and response capabilities. APAN58 allowed UP RI -NOAH Center to showcase these advancements and fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration with other stakeholders dedicated to regional disaster resilience and societal well-being.
As we move forward, UP RI -NOAH Center remains committed to developing data-driven and science-based tools and resources and continuously enhancing resilience in the Philippines and the broader Asia Pacific region.