Japan inaugurates flood center in Misamis Oriental

Japan has inaugurated a high-tech flood forecasting and warning center in Misamis Oriental, named the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, to enhance disaster preparedness in the Cagayan de Oro River Basin.

The facility was opened by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on April 4, 2025.

Funded by a Japan International Cooperation Agency grant of 930 million yen (approximately P362 million), the project aims to improve the flood forecasting and warning system for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin.

The initiative includes upgraded X-band radars, rainfall gauging stations, and an improved telecom network to provide faster and more accurate flood alerts to communities in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

The project involved the installation of a state-of-the-art network of telemetered rainfall and water level monitoring gauges, X-Band radar stations, a dedicated data transmission backbone, and a 24/7 operations center.

Ambassador Endo highlighted the project as a symbol of Japan's enduring friendship with the Philippines and its commitment to disaster risk reduction.