SETUP online database takes off in Visayas

After initially developing the DOST SETUP Projects Online in Mindanao The Department of Science and Technology is now on the process of extending the database to include data on projects from the Visayas and Luzon regions.

The DOST SETUP Projects Online is a web-based GIS that features the location of the projects and the interventions of the DOST to the MSMES in the country. A search facility allows one to find projects by major categories, by region, province, district and city/municipality. Each project location features a profile of the project and photos of the progress of implementation.

Currently, the site is hosted by GEOPLAN, a non government foundation that provides solutions and applications that makes use of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. GEOPLAN is responsible for the development of the project in close coordination with DOST Regional Office No. 7.

The DOST-8, through its designated project Administrator Ms. Mae Anne Reyes, has recently given signal to the PSTDs in Region 8 for the inputting of the necessary data and information.

The database for Mindanao can be initially accessed through http://geoplan.ph/dost-setup

PSTDs join PAGASA Training

The Biliran Provincial S & T Director, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, joined the one week training on Extreme Weather Observation Protocol for PSTDs conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on May 25-29, 2009 at the PAGASA Regional Training Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

The training was the second batch out of three batches designed for Provincial S & T Directors all over the country with the end view of augmenting and widening PAGASA's data gathering of weather parameters (like rainfall intensity) during extreme weather conditions.

The training include series of lectures on: PAGASA's functions, programs and services, The weather systems affecting the country, the forecasting and warning systems on typhoons and floods, some basics on climatology, agrometeorology, and climate change. The group also visited the different stations of PAGASA such as the Upper air station in Tanay, Rizal, the Agromet station in UP Los Baños, Laguna, and the Radar Station in Baguio City.