The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – CALABARZON, represented by DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office in Quezon (DOST-Quezon), with Batangas State University (BatStateU) and Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office installed a Solar Isotropic Generator of Acoustic Waves (SIGAW) at Lopez, Quezon last February 23, 2023.
This project was done through DOST’s Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) under the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) component which aims to promote and provide science-based information and technologies for disaster prevention and mitigation.
SIGAW is a type of Early Warning System (EWS) for tsunamis that was developed by BatStateU and funded by DOST-CALABARZON. Data sent by DOST – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) triggers the sensors of SIGAW which in turn informs locals.
The technology sends warnings through alarms and text messages that are given out to local seaside residents before tsunamis even reach the shore. This gives the people ample time to prepare in order to evacuate the area before disaster hits.
Since its first installation in 2018, the Deployment of Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS) project has already installed a total of nine (9) SIGAW stations: Panukulan, Jomalig, Burdeos, Atimonan, Alabat, Quezon, and now Lopez, being the 9th site.
After the setting up SIGAW in Lopez, a meeting was held in Gumaca, Quezon regarding scheduling of installation in the area. The tentative date agreed upon by the parties is March 8, 2023.#
