Climate Change Resilience | CatSU Workshop Tackles Hydro-Meteorological Hazards and Forecasting

Center for Island Climate Change Solutions

In pursuit of the four component programs established by the Catanduanes State University Center for Island Climate Change Solutions (CatSU-CICCS), the center, led by its director Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, conducted a seminar workshop titled "Hydro-Meteorological Hazards and Forecasting Under Climate Change" at the university auditorium on April 2, 2023.

The seminar workshop aimed not only to educate participants, including faculty, teachers, and students but also to train them to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation into their teaching curriculum. This approach will help raise awareness and encourage action toward reducing the impact of climate change in the community. Additionally, the seminar sought to provide information about hazards resulting from hydro-meteorological events and waste management strategies.

Mr. John Ariel T. Rojas, an ABS-CBN Weather Forecaster and one of the resource speakers, shared his extensive knowledge in Weather System and hydro-meteorological hazards. His expertise in the field of hydro-meteorological forecasting clearly differentiated weather, season, and climate.

Furthermore, his discussion touched on specific factors affecting a place or region's climate while describing the essential characteristics of each thermal zone. Most importantly, Mr. Rojas shared his understanding of the physics, chemistry, energy, and water refluxes of the atmosphere and their coupling with the earth's surface environmental parameters.

"It is always important to stay up-to-date with the latest information on weather and climate change, especially for those who live in areas prone to hydro-meteorological hazards. I am glad to be a part of this significant event that was a collaboration between CatSU and its officials, and the local government leaders. Our aim is to always be a catalyst for crucial knowledge and information to the people and community that we serve," Mr. Rojas shared.

Mr. Jun Pantino, PAGASA-Catanduanes Chief, along with Mr. Mike Padua, founder of Typhoon2000.com, also served as resource speakers and discussed Meteorological Observations in Monitoring and Predicting Weather and Typhoon Forecasting, respectively.

Other notable speakers included Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan, a faculty member from Cardiff University, United Kingdom, and Carpel Environment Corp, who tackled topics on Philippine Climate Change Action, Policies and Plans, Evaluation of Impacts of Climate Change on the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Landscapes, and Climate Change & Waste Management Strategies, respectively.

Provincial Vice Governor Peter "Boss Te" C. Cua was the special guest during the event, and in his inspirational message, he commended the university and its leaders, as well as the local government unit (LGU) players, for a job well done. LGU officials and staff, along with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office personnel, were in attendance.

The whole day activity was made possible in coordination with Hon. Jose "Bong" Joson Teves Jr., TGP Partylist. #CIV