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Philippines allocates P1 billion for AI flood warning system

The Department of Budget and Management has released P1 billion to the University of the Philippines to enhance the country's disaster response capabilities through artificial intelligence-powered flood forecasting technology. The investment aims to equip government agencies and communities with improved early warning systems for natural hazards.

LSN Philippines · 24 August 2026

MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1 billion in funding to the University of the Philippines for Project NOAH's artificial intelligence-powered flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring system. The allocation reflects the government's commitment to strengthening disaster prevention and response infrastructure amid increasing climate-related threats to the island nation.

Project NOAH, which stands for Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, will utilize the AI technology to provide more accurate and timely flood warnings. The advanced monitoring system is designed to give government agencies and local communities better tools for disaster preparedness and response, potentially reducing casualties and economic losses from flooding events.

The Philippines, located in the Pacific typhoon belt and vulnerable to seasonal monsoons, experiences frequent flooding that affects thousands of residents annually. The investment in AI-powered forecasting represents a shift toward technology-driven disaster management, enabling authorities to issue warnings with greater precision and lead time.

The DBM noted that the system's real-time hazard monitoring capabilities will improve the government's ability to coordinate emergency response efforts and guide evacuation procedures. By combining artificial intelligence with hydrological data, the initiative aims to enhance the nation's overall resilience to natural disasters.