Institutional study visit on Flood forecasting and disaster management for Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan

An institutional visit on Flood Forecasting, Control Room Operations and Hydrological Services Delivery in the Philippines was conducted by International Academy for Continuous Education (IACE) for the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Royal Government of Bhutan last October 30 until November 4, 2016.

IACE CEO Susana Balanay personally welcomed from the Airport the MoEA, Bhutan led by their Chief of Hydrology Division Deparment of Hydromet Services, Mr. Karma Dupchu

IACE opened the program by introducing and briefing the participants of the activities beginning with the Marikina Flood Early Warning System (Urban Setting). Dr. Jenny Fernando gave an overview of the Community-based Flood Early Warning Systems (CBFEWS), its elements, characteristics and functions. She also discussed the factors influencing the design of CBFEWS, its sustainability, structure and experiences, data and information exchange scheme and other related activities, issues and best practices.

Marikina’s MDRRMO’s Chief, Dr. Jenny Fernando personally discussing Marikina’s Control and Monitoring Room for Disaster Management to MoEA’s institutional study visit participants.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Hydro-Met and Meteorological Office in Quezon City’s very own Engr. Rosalie Pagulayan and Aldczar Aurelio presented an overview of Flood Forecasting, Flood Forecasting Warning Systems, Monitoring and Prediction, Meteorological Monitoring Networks, Flood and Typhoon Warming Systems, Computer-based Applications for Meteorological Services on the second day.

PAGASA’s Weather Forecaster Mr. Aldczar Aurelio discussing the Typhoon Warning System

PAGASA’s Senior Hydrologist Engr. Rosalie Pagulayan explaining the Flood Forecasting Warning Systems of the Agency

The PAGASA Field Stations: Pampanga River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, Main Operations Office in San Fernando, Pampanga and the Candaba Rainfall and Water level Station (Rural Setting), represented by Hilton Hernandez, discussed about its community-based flood early warning systems for river basins including its issues and best practices.

PAGASA Pamapanga Field Station’s Head, Mr. Hilton Hernandez, discussing about its community-based flood early warning systems for river basins including its issues and best practices.

The participants met Mr. Edwin Salonga and Ms. Maritess Galang of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Quezon City on the third day and were familiarized with the Council’s composition and functions and their Flood Disaster Management Programs.

Mr. Edwin Salonga and Ms. Maritess Galang of the National Disaster Risk Reduction discussing the mandate of the agency.

Participants were also able to get an overview of the Community-based Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management Program in the Province of Bulacan conducted by Engr. Lito Pascual and Carl De Leon of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Coordinating Office in Malolos, Bulacan. They then visited the Operation and Maintenance of Rainfall, River and Flood Stage Observation Stations and were familiarized to how the Review and Enhancement of Draft Response and Flow of Information Plans was done.

Engr. Lito Pascual and Carl De Leon discussing Bulacan Provincial’s Community-based Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management Program

Mr. Alex Pallada was the resource person for the program’s last activity which was located at the Angat Hydropower Plant (Dam Operations). Mr. Pallada discussed about Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems for Dam Operations.

Mr. Alex Pallada discussing about Angat Hydropower Plant’s Dam Operation

IACE closed the program by awarding the participants with a certificate. The Head of the team, Mr. Karma Dupchu gave his warmest gratitude to the International Academy for Continuous Education management and staff for the well prepared itinerary.

“Institutional visit was well organized to all the relevant organization what we expected. I am fully enjoyed with all the appointments experts we have met. Flexible approach assisted rendered during our stay here in the Philippines is fully appreciated. I have nothing to recommends, the institutional visit was fully met my expectations.” Mr Karma Dupchu’s Testimonials

IACE CEO Ms. Susana B. Balanay and President Dr. Albert S. Alday together with MoEA’s Hydromet Division during the Awarding of Certificate held in IACE (Standing from L-R Mr. Ngawang Namgyal, Mr. Jai Ram, Mr. Tashi Tenzin, Mr. Tshewang Rinzin, and Mr.Pema Wangdi) (Sitting L-R Ms Sangay Choden, IACE CEO Susana Balanay, IACE President Albert Alday and Chief Mr. Karma Dupchu)