11/03/2026
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ: ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ญ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ณ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ
The Provincial Science and Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VIII in Leyte, in partnership with DOST โ Visayas Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division, conducted a Training on Hydrometeorological Hazards for local stakeholders at the Liga ng Barangay Function Hall of Villaba, Leyte on March 5, 2026. This initiative is part of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program in the municipality aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and promote science-based awareness of weather-related hazards among communities.
Weather Specialist I, Engr. Rechel M. Sumbise served as the resource speaker, discussing key concepts on weather and climate, including the difference between the two and how the Philippinesโ geographic location and topography influence its exposure to various weather disturbances. Engr. Sumbise also discussed several weather systems affecting the country such as high-pressure and low-pressure areas, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and the formation of Tropical Cyclone. Climate phenomena like El Niรฑo and La Niรฑa were also highlighted for their impacts on rainfall and temperature patterns.
The training further focused on common hydrometeorological hazards in the Philippines, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flooding, tornadoes or waterspouts, hail, and lightning. Participants learned the three types of flooding, river flood, flash flood, and coastal flood and the increased risks of storm surges when Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is raised. Practical preparedness measures before, during, and after flooding, as well as safety practices during tornadoes and lightning events, were discussed to enhance community resilience.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jay Ian C. Camposano shared the importance and practical use of the PANaHON, a web-based platform providing real-time and localized weather monitoring and data visualization. PANaHON enables local government units and communities to access updated weather data, rainfall monitoring, and hazard information, which support timely and informed decision-making during extreme weather events.
The training concluded with a closing message by Ms. Ma. Flor M. Pastor, CEST Project Coordinator, who emphasized the value of science-based knowledge in building resilient communities. She encouraged participants to apply the learnings from the training in their respective barangays and continue promoting awareness of hydrometeorological hazards to ensure the safety and preparedness of all residents.
Through initiatives like this, DOST VIII PSTO Leyte, together with DOST โ Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division, continues to support local government units in strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience at the community level.