The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced on Tuesday that it employs artificial intelligence (AI) to provide timely public advisories regarding water releases from dams under its management. During a hybrid Palace briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen explained that the agency has an advanced forecasting system that allows for sufficient time between the announcement and the actual water release, ensuring the safety and preparedness of affected communities.
“Dito po sa NIA, ang totoo po niyan (Here at NIA, the truth is) two weeks prior. Mayroon kasing ginagamit ang NIA ngayon na itong ating (the NIA is utilizing our) advance weather forecasting system na may (with) AI technology,” Guillen stated. He noted that the shortest advisory period is about four days to one week, demonstrating the reliability of their forecasting system.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the water level in Magat Dam was recorded at 185.03 meters, below its normal high water level of 190 meters, while Pantabangan Dam stood at 194.11 meters. Guillen clarified that the high dams under NIA have not released water yet, with the Ipo Dam being the only one to do so, which may impact residents in Bulacan.
The NIA reported approximately PHP339.3 million in initial crop damage and about PHP866 million in infrastructure damage due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Crising (Wipha). This includes partial damage across 31,172 hectares of agricultural land in various regions, including the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas.
Guillen assured that the NIA is prepared to assist affected farmers through its “Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka” contract growing program. “Nakahanda palagi ang NIA na tumulong sa inyo lalo na po kapag ganitong may mga calamities… Patuloy ang ugnayan namin ng Department of Agriculture para mabigyan po kayo ng mga kailangan ninyong mga seeds para makapagtanim po ulit (The NIA is always ready to assist you in times of calamities like this… We are in continuous coordination with the Department of Agriculture to provide you with the needed seeds to replant again),” he said.