Project Apaw Team and FRS Hold 1st Quarter Monitoring Meeting for Project Apaw – Balatan

In a significant step toward enhancing local disaster preparedness, the Project Apaw Team and representatives from the Fundación de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS) of Madrid, Spain convened for the 1st Quarter Monitoring of Project Apaw: Harnessing Micro-Weather Forecasting and Flood Detection with AI and Data Analytics for LGU Balatan on April 22, 2025, at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges. The project, with a funding support of PHP 2 million, focuses on innovative disaster risk management strategies for the municipality of Balatan, Camarines Sur.

The monitoring meeting served as a collaborative platform for assessing the project’s milestones, challenges, and future implementation plans. Representing FRS were Alfonso Nunez, FRS Coordinator for the Philippine Mission, and Rey Nato S. Caño, FRS Local Coordinator.

Project Apaw was represented by Project Leader Mr. Joseph Jessie S. Oñate, along with core team members: Engr. Rizza T. Loquias, Mr. Philip Alger M. Serrano, Ms. Kaela Marie N. Fortuno, Mr. Ronner P. Abanil, Mr. Jeffrey A. Canonce, Ms. Hazel V. Reyes, and Ms. Vianne Faye S. Gastilo.

The project addresses Balatan’s increasing vulnerability to climate-induced hazards, particularly flooding, by developing a Micro-Weather Forecasting Device and Portal. This pioneering system utilizes artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning technologies to provide hyperlocal, real-time weather data and flood detection alerts. The goal is to equip the local government and residents with actionable information to enhance community resilience and disaster responsiveness.

During the meeting, the team presented updates on the development of the hardware prototype and field deployment preparations. FRS expressed its continued support and commended the team’s proactive approach to climate risk management through technology and innovation.

Project Apaw exemplifies the potential of global-local partnerships in addressing climate resilience at the grassroots level. With continued support from FRS and other stakeholders, the initiative is poised to become a replicable model for other climate-vulnerable communities in the region and beyond.