Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Dr. Fortunato Dela Peña expressed Tuesday (February 2) his support to Isabela State University’s roster of new research undertakings on water management and disaster-risk reduction for the Cagayan Valley.
This was thru a video message during the presentation of the University’s research projects before the board members of the Provincial Government of Isabela.
These projects were the establishment of SMART Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM) Research and Development Center; Project “Optimization of Decision Support System for Effective e-Governance” (ODeSSEE); and the research project on Integrated Flood and Water Resources Management (IFWRM) in the ASEAN Basins.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagpapaunlak ninyo na mag-present ang Research and Development Team ng Isabela State University ng isang napapanahong pananaliksik na makatutulong magbigay ng solusyon sa isang napakahalagang problema ngayon sa Region 02”, the Secretary noted.
Dr. Dela Peña embarked on the recent heavy flooding faced by the region during the onslaught of successive typhoons November last year. Apart from flood hazard, the Secretary also mentioned the imminent threats to water availability.
“To all these, water management is a crucial approach”, Dela Peña pointed.
The DOST chief also believes the center to be supportive of the research focus on disaster-risk reduction sector, which is among the currently prioritized research areas including the industry and energy sectors.
“I have high hopes that the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) will pass a resolution supporting this research and development project for Region 02”, he said.
Meanwhile, Region 02 DOST Director Engineer Sancho Mabborang exclaimed: “the proponent, the Isabela State University will be assured of funding support from DOST. As mentioned by Sec. Dela Peña, in terms of resources and funds, we will be supporting this project”.
The meeting’s presiding chair, Board Member Alfredo Alili, said the result of the Provincial Board’s approval will be known on Friday (February 5).
SWIM R&D is a project proposal for NICER, or Niche Centers in the Region for R&D, that aims to introduce innovative water management approaches thru institutionalizing a university-based water research center to undertake R&D education, capacity building programs in the water resources sector and river basins, and provide technical extension services. (JF/GZ/BJC-UMIS-CMS)
(Related stories, SEE | Project ODeSSEE: https://isu.edu.ph/isu-extends-e-pass-system-to-pnp-healthguard-to-ocd/; https://isu.edu.ph/sen-angara-supports-isus-odessee-project/ | IFWRM: https://isu.edu.ph/dost-pcieerd-backs-isus-research-initiative-on-asean-basins/)