CANDABA -- Japanese experts were in this town Wednesday, May 31, for the site visit as part of a study development of a river water level monitoring system using wireless network and information communications technology.
The experts which included Hachihei Kurematsu, Tomoyoshi Nishizumi, Megumu Niori, and Professor Yashushi Fuwa were welcomed by town officials.
The group is leading the project with BHN Telecom or Basic Human Need, Shinshu University, and the National Telecommunications Commission under the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) J3 Programme pilot project for rural areas.
The objective of the programme is to narrow the digital divide in the Asia-Pacific region, through the promotion of pilot projects to support access to ICT in rural areas of developing member countries, and to facilitate development of ICT infrastructures/services in the region.
APT will be implementing the “ICT Pilot Projects for Rural Areas”. This programme is funded by the Extra Budgetary Contribution from Japan.
As for the Candaba project, the study aims to create a wireless monitoring system for the town wherein there would be up-to-date monitoring of water levels especially along the Pampanga River and immediate notification to communities of rising water levels.
The program also taps wireless technology in which people of the town can get real time information through gadgets like cellphones as well as through conventional devices like public address systems.
The program will also give town officials accurate data on how to prepare for worst case scenarios during the flood months.
Candaba is among the most flood prone towns of Pampanga. The Pampanga River as well as the Candaba Swamp usually flood many villages of the town during the monsoon months.
The project is expected to add further to the disaster preparedness of the town and its communities.