In accordance with the mission, vision and goals of the OML Center, engineer Glenn Banaguas and the junior research scientists of De La Salle Araneta University launched three ultrasonic flood detector systems in the province of Tarlac.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources identified Tarlac as one of the top 10 provinces highly susceptible to flooding through its geohazard mapping and assessment program. Three of the province’s most remote barangays— Salomague in Paniqui, Cadanglaan in Pura and Pance in Ramos—were the venues for the project.

The ultrasonic flood detector systems modeled and developed by the team led by Banaguas, a National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Young Scientist awardee, serve as early warning mechanisms to reduce communities’ exposure to and minimize the adverse impacts of floods.

The science-based solution sought by the team also aims to benefit the monitoring of food and environmental security. In order to sustain an agricultural economy, factors that affect environmental security such as water supply and quality of farming land should be consistently ministered to.

The core objective of Banaguas’ project is to benefit the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community through research works supported by technical modeling.

The flood detector systems are part of the research grants awarded by the OML Center and will be replicated and distributed in other parts of the country.