The Philippine government has allocated 1 billion pesos (about US$16.4 million) to the University of the Philippines System to strengthen AI-powered flood forecasting and disaster prevention.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the funding will support Project NOAH, which uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to provide real-time hazard assessments and predictive flood scenarios.
DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the initiative aims to help authorities identify areas and communities at risk and take preventive action before flooding occurs.
“We do not need to wait for floodwaters to rise before we act,” he said, adding that the goal is to determine where the danger lies, who is at risk and what action is needed ahead of disasters.
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to flooding due to annual monsoon rains and frequent typhoons, with recurring disasters causing significant damage to communities and the economy.
The government has made flood control infrastructure and disaster preparedness key priorities as it seeks to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
