Lessons from Disasters in the Philippines: The Project NOAH Experience

The Philippines is prone to weather-related and other natural geological events, mainly due to its location. Located along the typhoon belt, the Philippines is within the active volcanic region known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and is located in the geologically unstable region between the Pacific and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thus, the country is a hotbed of disasters that cause thousands of casualties and damage on properties.

NOAH aims to undertake disaster science research and development, advance the use of cutting edge technologies, and recommend innovative information services in the government's disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. By using science and technology and partnering with the academe and other stakeholders, the DOST through Project NOAH takes a multidisciplinary approach in developing systems, tools, and other technologies that could be operationalized by the government to help prevent and mitigate disasters. NOAH envisions itslef as a world leader in programs that use advanced science and technology to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards.