Disaster management in the Philippines is improving with artificial intelligence from foreign and local projects. Japanese startup Spectee and Japan International Cooperation Agency will pilot their disaster management tool in the country. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology is developing a similar tool.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has promised to usher in nationwide technological innovation. These projects prove its commitment to this cause by using artificial intelligence to protect Filipinos from natural disasters. Soon, the country could participate in the increasing digitization of the world.
This article discusses how artificial intelligence will improve disaster management in the Philippines. Later, I will cover other technology projects in the country. Believe it or not, the Pearl of the Orient has been constantly improving its digital systems lately!
How does Japanese AI work?
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The Philippines experiences frequent flooding, especially as September approaches. Better tracking systems can help Filipinos anticipate these disasters.
The Philippine News Agency recently announced the PH government’s partnership program with Japanese startup Spectee and JICA that will mitigate risk and save lives in disaster-prone areas. Specifically, they will launch an AI-powered system.
It visualizes a crisis using data from river/road cameras, weather information, human traffic, social media and other methods. In addition, the JICA system verifies the information with image and sentence analysis and credibility scores.
Human experts double check and verify the data. Then, the AI program provides reliable notifications through a digital dashboard, smartphone alerts, and emails.
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According to JICA, more than 100 Japanese government organizations and media are using this AI system. Additionally, it has partnered with the Civil Defense Bureau and the Department of Interior and Local Government to conduct trials.
JICA Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto said, “JICA believes that AI brings benefits to society if we use it properly. The Philippines needs and is ready for this type of technology.
“We see the potential that more Filipinos would benefit from this digital innovation from Japan, especially in the area of disaster management,” he added.
What is the country’s AI disaster management system?
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Additionally, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Research and Development of Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies (DOST-PCIEERD) is developing a similar AI system. The Philippine News Agency (AIP) says he is working on the DATOS or Remote Sensing Data Science.
It helps disaster response agencies estimate the extent of a flood. “Immediately, in disaster management, you want to know where the affected areas are. This means you have to get out to where they are so you can provide the necessary response like rescue, evacuation, things like that,” said Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD.
It relays information to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “Before, we didn’t know what was happening on the ground. Now until the nearest barangay you will know the real situation,” Paringit said.
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“The geohazard maps will show what is going to happen, the DATOS will show what is happening. For example, there was heavy rain last night, and when the satellite passes we will have data showing the extent of the flooding.
The director drew parallels between DATOS and the Japanese warning system. “For example, in Japan, they are developing an alert system with an 8-second delay, that’s a huge thing, where you predict an earthquake is going to happen in 8 seconds. It’s still being worked on. development, but if it is possible in other countries, it could also be possible in our country,” Paringit said.
The DOST executive director has announced plans to install AI sensors in volcanoes to help local officials evacuate residents before they erupt. Additionally, DOST-PCIEERD has joined AI Pinas, a conference and workshop that promotes AI awareness.
Conclusion
Disaster management in the Philippines is improving with AI from international and local projects. It recently launched a pilot program for the Japanese AI-powered system.
The country’s DOST is developing a similar system. Additionally, the Philippines has expanded its adoption of artificial intelligence by pushing an AI bill.
Soon, the country could become more prosperous thanks to artificial intelligence and other technologies. Learn how to improve your life with the latest digital trends at Inquirer Tech.
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