Iloilo LGU strengthens digital monitoring for El Niño, disasters

ILOILO CITY-- This Highly Urbanized City is expanding its monitoring of the potential impacts of the very strong El Niño phenomenon and other hazards through its new Digital Risk Governance Platform, the Bantay Iloilo City website.

Developed by the Data Assessment and Systems Management Office (DASMO), the web-based civic information and monitoring platform serves as a digital dashboard that consolidates vital information for disaster preparedness and public safety.

Darwin Papa of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said the initiative supports Mayor Raisa Treñas’ direction to maximize digital technology in delivering public information and services, particularly as more people rely on digital platforms.

Treñas emphasized the importance of ensuring that every Ilonggo has access to accurate, reliable and updated information as the city prepares for the possible effects of the very strong El Niño phenomenon.

The website provides access to weather forecasts, real-time and projected heat index readings, rainfall data, air quality updates, earthquake and typhoon monitoring, traffic conditions, jeepney rerouting advisories, prices of basic commodities and fuel, public health information, power and water interruption advisories, and emergency hotlines.

As part of the city’s El Niño preparations, Papa said additional monitoring features would be incorporated to track current and projected heat index levels, water and electricity supply availability, scheduled power interruptions, and the locations of designated cooling hubs.

The platform also features an Economic Price Watch that tracks the daily prices of basic commodities and fuel, helping residents monitor price movements amid potential climate-related challenges