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In an innovative move, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) transformed its COVID-19 dashboard into a powerful early warning system named iRISE UP (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population).
This groundbreaking system doesn’t just monitor the number of coronavirus cases but also keeps residents informed and prepared for various weather events. As we delve into the details of this remarkable initiative, it’s clear that Quezon City is leading the way in disaster risk reduction.
Real-Time Weather Monitoring
iRISE UP provides residents with real-time weather updates, rain forecasts, flood level information, heat index, temperature data by barangay (neighborhood), and even earthquake detection. To gather this crucial data, the local government has strategically positioned 50 weather cameras, 18 flood sensors, 13 rain gauges, and 130 flood markers throughout the city. Additionally, two seismic accelerographs transmit ground movement data to the QCDRRMO headquarters, enhancing the system’s capabilities.
As the threat of large-scale earthquakes remains a constant concern, it’s imperative for every Filipino family to be well-prepared.
Awards and Recognition
iRISE UP has received well-deserved recognition at the 2023 Galing Pook Awards, which honors innovative practices by local governments. An effective early warning system like iRISE UP plays a vital role in preventing casualties and minimizing economic impacts during disasters. In a city as populous as Quezon City, with over two million residents and numerous businesses, this initiative is especially critical.
Peachy de Leon, the QCDRRMO spokesperson, emphasized the city’s unique challenges. “Ito ‘yung pinakamalaking city sa Philippines. Mas madaming resources, pero also malaking ‘yung population, ang daming businesses,” she said. (This is the biggest city in the Philippines. We have a lot of resources, but we also have to take care of a bigger population. There are also a lot of businesses.)
Improved Information Dissemination
With iRISE UP, the process of sharing critical information with residents has become significantly easier. It has enabled efficient communication with the city’s 142 barangays, of which 12 are categorized as “high-risk” to flooding and 43 as “medium-risk” to flooding.
The system allows for a scientific approach to decision-making, aiding in various aspects, from class suspensions to camp management, drainage planning, social housing, and development planning.
Detailed Risk Assessment
Inside the QCDRRMO headquarters, large screens display maps of the city with data breakdowns by barangay, district, and specific parameters for tailored risk assessments. Flood sensors and rain gauges provide real-time information and forecasts for the next six and 24 hours, even when there’s no imminent disaster. The dedicated QCDRRMO team works tirelessly around the clock to keep residents informed and safe.
Towards a Visual Language for Flood Alerts
Weather specialist Steve Martin Dulay highlighted a planned improvement in the system. They intend to replace metric measurements for flood levels with more visual descriptors such as “ankle-deep” and “knee-deep.” This shift aims to make flood information more accessible to the general public.
Localized Disaster Risk Reduction
Recent discussions on disaster risk reduction have emphasized the importance of localized tools like Quezon City’s early warning system. While the Philippines is considered advanced in this field, there remains a concern about inclusivity in these systems.
Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighted the need to ensure that early warning systems reach the most vulnerable populations.
In this article, we outlined several ideas, and broken down some easy-to-follow steps to protect your home and loved ones.
Accessibility to the System
Quezon City residents can conveniently access the iRISE UP system through their website, found in the link below this article. This application is available both as a web version and for mobile users. Android users can download it from Google Play, while iOS users can get it from the App Store.
To get started, users simply need to create an account and customize their settings for location-specific real-time information.
Exciting Initiatives on the Horizon
Quezon City’s commitment to innovation and disaster risk reduction doesn’t stop with iRISE UP. Another program recognized as a finalist at the 2023 Galing Pook Awards is the city’s automated birth registration, which helps track teenage pregnancies.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate Quezon City’s dedication to the well-being of its residents and its ambition to remain at the forefront of disaster preparedness.
In conclusion, Quezon City’s iRISE UP is a game-changer in the field of disaster risk reduction, offering residents real-time weather updates, flood alerts, and critical information. With its recognition at the Galing Pook Awards, this system sets an example for other regions striving to enhance their disaster preparedness.
As Quezon City continues to improve and expand its initiatives, it remains at the forefront of innovation in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other groundbreaking projects from Quezon City.
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