Today's Vigattin Radio Program is another timely discussion about the weather here in the Philippines - both geographically and politically. With the devastating effects of Typhoon Maring and the southwest monsoon flooding our lands, we consulted Project NOAH about its technologies that will aid short-term and long-term plans and solutions against disasters and calamities. Also, with the recent controversies surrounding PDAF and the whole pork barrel system, we Filipinos are hit by another storm - corruption and dirty politics plus the abuse and misuse of the hard-earned money of our taxpayers.
Guests
Mr. Oscar V. Lizardo
Chief science research specialist
Disaster management using Web Geographical Information System
Under hazards information media component of Project NOAH
Mr. Vincent T. Lazatin (via phone patch)
Executive Director
Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a network of organizations working for greater transparency
Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a network of organizations working for greater transparency
Mr. Mony Romana
Lecturer at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, School of Design & Arts
Co-founder at Odicion
Co-Founder/VP at Sucesos Filipinas Inc.
Co-founder at Odicion
Co-Founder/VP at Sucesos Filipinas Inc.
Project NOAH and the Flood
Every year during the rainy season, floods are destroying crops and properties and even claiming lives. Some of us are used to it by now. Some of us complain. The government is always talking about flood control projects and disaster risk management. But after the rain has stopped and the flood has subsided, we'd get back to our daily lives and forget all about this.
Little do we know that Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) is being developed and pushed through all year round, rain or shine. The people behind this project is aiming for it to become a significant instrument in making clear, feasible short-term and long-term solutions to floods, landslides, and other climate-related catastrophes. Different sensors are being put in strategic places all over the Philippines to plot an accurate geo-hazard maps that our local government units can use to formulate the best plans and actions against disasters.
Here are some of the many uses of Project NOAH:
1. helps in urban planning
2. aids in the decision making of LGUs, private sectors, and individual citizens before, during, and after a calamity
3. provides accurate and reliable information to the general public regarding our weather and climate
Project NOAH is a very good affirmation that technology is important in various industries and sectors. The interconnection of geosciences and technology is a huge step towards the country's progress, and in the long run will also affect business and economy, agriculture and fisheries, and tourism, among others.
PDAF and the Pork Barrel System
"It's time to abolish the PDAF," Aquino said yesterday in an unscheduled press conference at Malacañang. It was a surprising announcement, considering his adamancy in supporting the pork barrel system. However, as I was reading through the rest of his speech, Pnoy seemed to be talking not about abolition but reform. Obviously, there is still a great power struggle among our duly elected government officials.
Some people are speculating that yesterday's press conference at Malacañang was very timely to somehow pacify the public with their plans on the Million People March on Monday, August 26. Despite the rather positive news from Pnoy himself, organization members like Vince and private citizens like Mony will still join the huge gathering at Luneta on Monday.
Speaking is one thing, acting is another. It's a good news that Pnoy made the initiative. The question is, what will happen next?
We sincerely hope that the reforms or amendments to the pork barrel system will be for the greater good. If the right legislative and executive decisions are made, the government will regain the trust of the Filipino people.
Storms may devastate our political and geographical environments, but I believe that we Filipinos will always stand up and conquer these challenges. After all, we are known and admired for our resilience. So, just hang in there and have faith!
Recorded Stream
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