PHL signs funding deal for Cagayan de Oro flood forecasting system

THE Philippine and Japanese governments signed on Monday grant agreements worth 1.84-billion yen ($16.8 million) for a flood forecasting project in Cagayan de Oro, and a renewal of funding for a scholarship program for government officials.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Yoshio Wada signed on behalf of Japan, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia signed for the Philippines.

The grant includes 1.278 billion yen for Improving Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin.

The project features a flood forecasting and warning network in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

JICA will also support the acquisition of radar, rainfall gauges, water level sensors, as well as capacity-building activities.

“During heavy rains, floods from upstream rains reach downstream urban areas in short hours posing risks to lives and communities. In 2017, the river overflowed in the aftermath of tropical storm Vinta, severely affecting Cagayan de Oro City,” JICA said.

The parties also signed a 563-million yen agreement on a Human Resource Development Scholarship, giving government workers study opportunities in Japan.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that about 319 Filipinos have received the scholarship so far, with 21 accepted this year.

“The Human Resource Development Scholarship project not only strengthens the relationship of JICA and the Philippines through people-to-people exchanges, it also gives us the chance to share Japan’s accumulated knowledge and expertise to promote inclusive development,” said Mr. Wada.

Potential Filipino scholars will be admitted to Kobe University, International University of Japan, International Christian University, and Nagoya University, among others.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Assistant Secretary Allan S. Cabanlong was among the scholars of the program, and took a Master of Science degree in Global Information and Telecommunications Studies from Waseda University in 2010.

JICA said that Mr. Cabanlong was “instrumental in the passage of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”

“Historically, Japan’s economic resurgence depend on education and human resource development. The Philippines is among the top recipients of this grant aid scholarship along with China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos,” JICA said.

It added that Filipino recipients of the program “often hold key positions or become experts in their field after finishing the scholarship.”