Project NOAH gets P1-B boost
The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated P1 billion to the University of the Philippines System for Project NOAH. This funding aims to enhance AI-powered flood forecasting, real-time hazard monitoring, and disaster prevention capabilities across the country. Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon stated that the initiative will provide government and communities with improved tools to anticipate and mitigate threats. Of the total, P935 million is earmarked for research services, with the remaining P65 million supporting general management and supervision of Project NOAH. The investment also covers the procurement and deployment of critical information and communications technology, as well as digital, technical, and scientific equipment.
The Philippines' P1 billion investment in Project NOAH through the University of the Philippines System underscores a growing regional focus on AI for public safety. This funding specifically targets AI-powered flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring, a critical application in a country frequently impacted by typhoons and heavy rains. The DBM's allocation of P935 million for research services and P65 million for management reflects a commitment to both development and operationalizing these advanced capabilities. For the broader Asia tech sector, this initiative points to the increasing integration of AI into national disaster risk reduction strategies. The emphasis on early action and prevention, as highlighted by Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon, suggests a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. The key watch point will be the effective deployment and scalability of the procured ICT and scientific equipment, ensuring the AI models translate into tangible, community-level impact across the archipelago.
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