Diliman, Q.C. - The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute recently signed a memorandum of agreement on ULAT Project Partnership with Technological University of the Philippines- Taguig. Through the partnership, DOST-ASTI will install one (1) unit of P-POTEKA automated weather station inside the premises of the university.  

Part of the objectives of DOST-ASTI's Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms Project (ULAT) is to install 50 P-POTEKA stations in Metro Manila. P-POTEKA is a lightning observation system consists of an automatic weather station, a slow antenna, a field mill sensor, and an infrasound sensor. The data are automatically transmitted to the data server via 3G data communications.  

Present in the MOA signing activity were officials of TUP-Taguig headed by TUP President Jesus Rodrigo Torres. He expressed his gratitude to the DOST-ASTI team for choosing their university  as one of the locations for the installation of the equipment.  

“[This] will help the country especially Metro Manila in generating more interest to study and monitor weather patterns in the Philippines,” he added.  

Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., Acting Director of DOST-ASTI also expressed his appreciation to TUP-Taguig. He said that the support of the institution and its officials, who are eager to contribute to delivering the sensors data, will help build to the success of the project. He also added that this agreement is beneficial in enabling more science and evidence-based endeavors.  

Through the MOA on ULAT Project Partnership, DOST-ASTI and TUP-Taguig will work hand in hand in delivering their responsibilities for the success of the project. DOST-ASTI will be accountable for the repair and maintenance of the station as well as securing the necessary clearance and permits needed for the installation of the station. DOST-ASTI will also facilitate the access and distribution of the weather data from the P-POTEKA station. 

TUP-Taguig, on the other hand, will be responsible in ensuring that the equipment is secured from theft and vandalism, and shall report to DOST-ASTI should such case takes place.  

The MOA signing activity ended with the presentation of the ULAT Project Overview and TUP-Taguig officials’ ASTI facility tour. 

The Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms Project (ULAT) aims to observe the country’s weather behaviors through studying torrential rainfall and thunderstorm occurrences as parameters to eventually enable short-term forecasts. The project has four (4) main outputs: a) establish a lightning sensor network b) establish a satellite antenna for 3D structuring of thunderclouds c) develop algorithms for forecasting; and d) establish data sharing for related agencies in disaster risk reduction.