Bakit ka BiNAHA? Duterte shutsdown Pres. Noynoy Aquino's Project NOAH

  

The Legacy and Future of Project NOAH: A Critical Juncture in Disaster Management

In a significant development, the Duterte administration decided to shut down Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard) in 2017, a cornerstone initiative launched under President Noynoy Aquino's leadership. This program, which began in 2011, was designed to advance disaster prevention and mitigation strategies in the Philippines, a country frequently ravaged by natural calamities. As we grapple with this change, it’s essential to reflect on the achievements of Project NOAH and consider the implications of its termination.

A Vision Realized

Project NOAH was conceived to address the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters. Through its comprehensive approach, it provided crucial data and tools aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response. The project focused on various components, including risk mapping, disaster risk reduction, and the assessment of local government capacities through its Integrated Scenario-based Assessments of Impacts and Hazards (ISAIAH) program. This initiative helped local governments better understand their risks and equipped them with the knowledge needed to implement effective disaster management strategies.

Under the stewardship of Executive Director Mahar Lagmay, Project NOAH made notable strides. The program’s development of innovative technologies and risk assessment tools was instrumental in advancing the nation's disaster resilience. However, despite these achievements, the Duterte administration has chosen not to extend funding for the program, citing the completion of its deliverables and the end of its extended term.

The Human Cost

One of the most pressing concerns arising from the shutdown is the potential loss of human resources. Lagmay has expressed deep apprehension about the disbanding of the team of disaster scientists and researchers integral to the program. With their departure, the Philippines risks losing valuable expertise at a time when the need for skilled disaster management professionals is more critical than ever. The impact of climate change and the increasing frequency of natural disasters underscore the necessity of maintaining and nurturing such expertise.

The Road Ahead

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña has clarified that while Project NOAH’s specific projects are concluding, the technologies and tools developed will be adopted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). This transition aims to ensure the continuity and institutionalization of the program's outputs within regular government agencies. However, Lagmay argues that this transition might not fully capture the ongoing needs and evolving challenges in disaster management.

A Call for Continuity and Innovation

The closure of Project NOAH raises critical questions about the future of disaster management in the Philippines. Lagmay and his team are pushing for the institutionalization of their work, advocating for sustained funding and support beyond the project’s formal end. They stress that the name Project NOAH represents more than just a program—it embodies a commitment to disaster resilience that should not be undermined by shifting administrative priorities.

As the country navigates this transition, it is crucial to explore alternative funding sources and innovative solutions to continue the work that Project NOAH began. Whether through public-private partnerships or new research initiatives, the goal should be to build on the foundation laid by Project NOAH and advance disaster management efforts to better protect the Filipino people.

While the end of Project NOAH marks a significant shift, it also offers an opportunity to reassess and reinforce our approach to disaster management. The legacy of Project NOAH, with its groundbreaking research and dedicated team, must not be forgotten. Instead, it should inspire renewed efforts to safeguard the Philippines against the ever-present threats posed by natural disasters.