LAOAG CITY, Sept. 15 — This city is one of the recipients of the automatic weather station (AWS) device that has helped saved lives and properties during stormy weather.
The AWS is a stand-alone device that measures weather-related factors and transmit data remotely on real-time basis.
Laoag was among the local government units that was given the free device during a recent training-workshop in Baguio City where other cities in Northern Luzon were also awarded similar gadgets.
Flood mitigation is a concern that has always topped the city government’s disaster-preparedness program due to frequent flooding within Laoag’s commercial zone and in villages located in the city’s western section.
The device was given through the League of Cities in partnership with the Aboitiz Power and Weather Philippines Foundation to promote the capacity-building of cities towards disaster resiliency.
Representatives from various local government units underwent technology training and workshop to acquaint them better on how the equipment works.
The government has been promoting the installation of modern weather tracking equipment to eliminate subjective weather forecasting through real-time monitoring of weather disturbances.
The weather tracking devices are outputs of the Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations Project.
The project is jointly managed by the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The device is being used by meteorologists to provide real time weather forecasts, including temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, atmospheric pressure, amount of rainfall, and weather visibility. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
