AT LEAST two towns in the province of Iloilo are expected to benefit from the water sensor network systems to effectively assess, conserve, manage, and monitor our groundwater reservoirs in their respective areas.
This development came after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Philippines) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inauguration of two water sensor network systems in the two towns of Pavia and San Miguel in Iloilo just recently.
According to the DOST, the Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) Project aims to install telemetry sensors to monitor water quality and water levels in 22 wells.
The groundwater reservoirs of the Philippines can supply more than 50 percent of the potable water, and 85 percent of the piped water requirements in the country.
It is strategically and economically important to current and future water resources and is the principal source during dry seasons, which in turn are often used for potable supply.
Certain challenges, however, like increasing urban population and climate change emerge can affect the groundwater supply.
Based on a study on Philippine water resource management which was conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippines (JICA Philippines) and NWRB in 1998, Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City were identified as water critical areas.
The installation of these systems allows for the remote management of groundwater resources to improve management capabilities of the NWRB.
The project is spearheaded by the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in collaboration and funded by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD), and classified under the Climate Change Infrastructure Program of the latter.
The projects aim to establish and set-up a cost-effective, real-time automated monitoring system for NWRB ground water monitoring wells in Metro Manila, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City.
Another project is the Philippine Groundwater Outlook (PhiGO), a three-year collaborative project under the PH-UK Newton Agham Joint S&T Cooperation Program on Understanding the Impacts of Hydrometeorological Hazards in the Philippines.
The project is led by Andrew Barkwith, Ph.D. from the British Geological Survey (BGS) and Ma. Aileen Leah G. Guzman, Ph.D.
According to DOST Secretary de la Peña, this initiative serves as the first step to effectively assess, conserve, manage, and monitor our groundwater reservoirs.
It was learned that the project also supports the National Science and Technology Plan 2002-2020 for Climate Change and Mitigation & Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction which emphasizes, among others, Water Resources Assessment Management for Water Security.
For his part, DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said not too many scientists take on the challenge of monitoring groundwater resources.
He also emphasized that “groundwater should be protected and managed efficiently.”
DOST Region VI Regional Director Engineer Rowen Gelonga was also present during the inauguration event of the two water monitoring stations at the PNHS (Pavia National High School) and Pagsanga-an Elementary School.
Real-time monitoring of data can be accessed at admuwater.com. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
