The Department of Science and Technology’s weather bureau (DOST-PAGASA) has conducted a comprehensive assessment of early warning devices across Occidental Mindoro province from July 1-5, 2025 to strengthen disaster preparedness in Mindoro island.

The five-day evaluation examined existing early warning systems including Automated Rain Gauges (ARG), Water Level Monitoring Systems (WLMS), and Community Based Flood Early Warning Systems (CBFEWS) installed throughout the province’s eight municipalities.

Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, who chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (PDRRMC), led the provincial government’s participation in the assessment alongside PDRRMO chief Mario D. Mulingbayan Jr.

The assessment team from DOST-PAGASA’s Hydro-meteorology Division included officials Oskar Cruz, Jofren Habaluyas, Joseph Marvin Lopez, Marion Pascual Cacatian, and Carlito S. Pagkatipunan, working with DOST-PSTO representative Olivar Ramos.

Local disaster risk reduction officers from the municipalities of Mamburao, Paluan, Abra de Ilog, Santa Cruz, Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal, and Magsaysay participated in the evaluation process.

An exit conference held on July 5, 2025 brought together municipal disaster officers to discuss recommendations and establish next steps for improving the effectiveness of early warning systems and the overall alert infrastructure.

The assessment will help identify necessary repairs and replacements to restore optimal functionality of the early warning devices, which provide advance notice of potential hazards to help communities take immediate action to reduce risks and prevent casualties.

DOST-PAGASA regularly conducts assessments of weather monitoring and early warning infrastructure across the country to ensure optimal performance during extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Photos by PDRRMO Occidental Mindoro