Training Module

on

THE APPLICATION OF AGROMET DATA

IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

DA-Regional Field Office Handbook

Training Module

on

THE APPLICATION OF AGROMET DATA

IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

DA-Regional Field Office Handbook

as part of the NAFC-US PL480 Assisted Project entitled: Establishment of Agro-Meteorological
Stations in Highly Vulnerable Agricultural Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the
Development of Local Early Warning System (Agromet cum Climate Change)

Prepared by the Water Resources Management Division

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Acknowledgements
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management would like to thank all those who have
contributed to this training module. In particular, the people of the Water Resources
Management Division, the dedicated staff of the US PL480 Agromet cum Climate Change
Project, to the regional focal persons from DA Regional Field Offices, and to the happy people
of recipient agencies of agromet stations.

Contents
I.

Over view of the Project (Agromet cum Climate Change)

II.

Familiarization of Agromet System

III.

Introduction to Concept of Risk Reduction and Management and Potential

Use of Agromet Data

IV.

Presentation of Existing/current projects, practices, plans, activities

undertaken per province/municipalities (Experience Sharing)

V.

Workshop on the utilization of Agromet data to existing Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Projects and Future plans of different
provinces/municipalities

VI.

Presentation of output for critiquing/improvement

VII.

References

Overview of the
Project

Establishment of Agro-meteorological Stations in Highly Vulnerable Agricultural Areas:

A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the
Development of Local Early Warning System
(Agromet cum Climate Change Project)
Background
The project intends to strengthen the existing agro-meteorological stations of BSWM and establish
new agro-meteorological station using automated weather stations (AWS) nationwide in irrigated,
upland agricultural areas and critical watersheds. It also aims to upgrade 33 ASTI and 20 PAGASA
AWS by providing sunshine duration, soil temperature, and soil moisture sensors. Moreover, this
project would want to capacitate the DARFOs, SCUs, and LGUs to operate and maintain agromet
stations and enhance their knowledge & skills on disaster risk reduction and management.
Likewise, it aims to develop the agro-ecological zone in and around the agromet station. Agroecological cell/zone is a land resource mapping unit, defined in terms of climate, landform and soils
or land cover having a specific range of potentials and constraint for land use.
Objectives
1. Development Objectives:

Develop a national base agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design,
development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a
tool for mitigation and adaptation to climate change;
Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of the DA-RFUs,
SUCs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 agro-meteorological stations by 2015;
Develop a strategy on awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction and
management at the local community influenced by the station; and
Develop the agro-ecological zone in the influenced area of the agromet stations by updating
the soil map in the areas as database for crop planning and management in preparation for
the adaptation to climate change.

2. Immediate Objectives
Establish/install 100 units of AWS and standard rain gauges and upgrade 33 ASTI and 20
PAGASA AWS by adding sunshine duration, soil temperature, and soil moisture sensors in
their existing 6 sensors.
Involve the LGUs and upland farmers in the collection, monitoring & simple analysis of
agromet data.
Train staff of BSWM, DARFUs, LGUs, SCUs, NGO, and other stakeholders in the collection,
monitoring and simple analysis of agromet data & disaster risk reduction and management.
Update soil map within the identified agro-ecological zones for each agromet station.
Develop a GIS on the agro-meteorological data that will cater to crop damages mitigation and
disaster risk reduction management in the locality.
Improve agro-meteorological data management of BSWM.
Strengthen networking among concerned agencies on agro-meteorological data collection
and standardization.

PROJECT PROFILE:
Title:

Establishment of Agro-Meteorological Stations in Highly

Vulnerable Agricultural Areas: A Tool for Climate Change
Adaptation and in the Development of Local Early Warning
System (Agromet cum Climate Change)

a.

Funding Source:

Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries formerly known

as National Agricultural and Fishery Council

b.

Implementing Agency:

BSWM

c.

Cooperating Agency:

DOST-Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA)
Rice Watch Action Plan (RWAN)

d.

Total Project Cost:

P 175.0M

e.

Duration:

3 years (2011-2013) with time extension up to 2015

Familiarization of the
Agromet System

Background
Agrometeorology or Agromet is the science that applies knowledge in weather and climate to
qualitative and quantitative improvement in agricultural production. Agricultural activities are
influenced by weather and climate events. The benefit of understanding these events help in the
establishment of techniques that result in a healthier agricultural industry. It is therefore very
important for farmers, researchers or persons interested in agriculture, to know that there are daily,
seasonal, and annual variations that play a vital role in crop response and survival. Knowledge of
available environmental resources and conditions from below the soil surface through the soil-air
interface to the lower atmosphere provides guidance for strategic decisions in long-range planning of
agricultural systems. This information can be used for a wide range of activities such as planning and
evaluating crop production, determining maturity dates early and late frost occurrences, etc.
Traditionally, weather observers manually read instruments in an agromet station. However, with
advances in technology agromet stations equipped with devices that automatically interpret sensors
measurement and automatically store and transmit its data is now becoming common. Also, it has
stand-alone features and can be deployed in remote areas. Stations operate continuously as they get
power from the sun, backed-up by internal rechargeable batteries. These stations are equipped with
a mini-computer that intelligently controls all the functions and data communication of the station.
Weather data are automatically sent wirelessly to the central server. Data gathered from remote
stations are made accessible to concerned individual or agencies for interpretation and further
analysis over the internet, through a web-based monitoring portal. Agromet data and information
will be disseminated to farmers and communities for better farm operational decisions like
scheduling of irrigation and projecting of fertilizer demand.
Objectives
At the end of the activity, the participants should be knowledgeable on:
1. AWS Sensors and weather parameters to be measured;
2. AWS data transmission;
3. Visualization of data through internet; and
4. Standard Rain Gauge (SRG).
Tools and Materials
a) Actual AWS on site
b) Computer
c) Internet connection
Procedures
Agromet Station site visit and hands-on lecture on:
(Refer to Agromet Station: System Features for detailed information)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Data Transmission from AWS to its website;

AWS Sensors and weather parameters measured;
Visualization of data through internet; and
Standard Rain Gauge (SRG).

Agromet Station of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management

SYSTEM FEATURES
Standalone Power - the unit is powered by a 10W solar panel and a 12Volts rechargeable
lead acid battery.
Automatic Data Transmission - the system uses the cellular network for sending data from
remote areas to the main server. Data are sent via SMS or text messaging.
Large Data Storage - it is a 16Mbit flash memory is used for data storage wherein data, as
well as important system details are saved.
Remote Configuration - the settings and configuration of the unit are done via SMS by
authorized users.
Intelligent Control System - it is the unit is controlled by ASTI developed (GSM Data
Acquisition Terminal) platform powered by miniature computer chip.

Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor

A compact and lightweight sensor
which measures wind speed and
direction, air temperature, air
humidity, air pressure and solar
radiation.

Solar Panel
A device which collects solar energy
to power the station while
simultaneously charging its backup
battery.

Sunshine Duration Sensor

It measures sunshine duration. It
has no moving parts and uses 3
photo-diodes
with
specially
designed diffusers to make an
analogue calculation of when it is
sunny.

Soil Temperature and Moisture

(15 and 30 cm depth) Measure the
water con- tent and temperature of
the soil.

Automatic Rain Gauge

It is a tipping bucket type of
instrument used to gather and
measure the amount of rainfall
over a set period of time.

Advance Remote Data Acquisition

Unit (arQ)
It is the brain and heart of the
system. It controls all the functions
and data communication of the
station.

AGROMET SYSTEM DATA TRANSMISSION

The system is composed of four elements:
a) Agromet station;
b) Network provider;
c) Central server; and
d) Computer.
The Agromet Stations automatically gathers data from the weather sensors every 15 minutes. These
data are sent to the central server through network providers such as Smart, Globe or Sun. The data
are stored in a central server located in Quezon City. While the data is stored in the central server it
is then deployed and is readily available in the internet. These data can be viewed and downloaded
in any computer provided that it is connected in the internet.
There is also a provision that these data will be sent from the Agromet Station to the central server
via satellite. From the satellite, the data will be sent to Earth Stations. The Earth station is connected
to the central server which will be deployed and readily available in the internet.

Introduction to Concept
of Risk Reduction And
Management And
Potential Use Of
Agromet data

Objectives
At the end of the session, the following objectives should be met:
1. Enhanced farmers knowledge on the vulnerability and risks potential of their respective
areas; and
2. Enhanced farmers awareness on the different Agromet data and its importance/application
in the development of local flood early warning systems.
Tools and Materials
Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, metacards and pen, crayons, masking tape
Procedures
Lectures and workshops
Activity 1:
Lecture and discussions on the awareness of disasters and its effect and the different weather data
that influenced the flooding (See Lecture: Activity 1).

The facilitator presents about the basic definitions and concepts of flood and its impacts.
The facilitator may give examples of flooding that hit the country and the corresponding
damage it brought.
The facilitator can present data on the number of people affected or killed, properties
damaged and loss of livelihood.
The facilitator should discuss the different AGROMET data that can influence the occurrence
of flooding.
o Rainfall intensity
o Pressure
o Temperature
o Humidity
o Wind speed/direction

Activity 2:
Lecture and Workshop on the Awareness on the Risk Potential and Vulnerabilities of the Area
The facilitator may start the lecture by discussing what is flood, how flood occurs and what are the
factors that may influence its occurrence and magnitude. The concept of watershed or drainage area
and hydrologic cycle should be reviewed. The following information can help the facilitator.
The facilitator will lecture and discuss the definition of risk and vulnerability. The discussion will focus
on the awareness of risk and vulnerability of the area influenced by the agromet. After the lecture,
the facilitator will discuss the mechanics of the workshop, to wit;
1. The facilitator will divide the participants into groups (group per location relative to the
distance from agromet) and identify the group leader.
2. Using the paper and pen that will be provided, each group will draw/sketch the
vulnerability/flood prone area map of each area (if vulnerability map is not available) and plot
the location of the agromet. If the group could not locate the agromet site, the facilitator will
assist in locating it on the map.
3. Each group should also plot other monitoring equipment available near the agromet (ARG,
staff gauge at rivers, and Water Level Monitoring System, etc.).
4. The map should also include land forms, especially the high and low-lying areas (flood prone areas);

bodies of water like rivers, lakes, oceans (coastal areas); dams (if there is any); residential areas;
churches, schools, covered courts, and other establishments that can serve as evacuation centers.

5. Each group will locate the influence area of the agromet (5 km. radius) taking reference to
rivers or waterways and affected areas.
6. Each group will identify the land use or location of farms and houses of farmer- cooperators
within the influence area on the map.
7. Each group will identify those houses and farms including names of owners/farmers which
are prone to say 1.0 meter or 2.0 meters flood level (if historical data is available).
8. Each group will identify those places that could serve as evacuation center in case of disaster.
9. The facilitator will or the group will select the presenter of the output.
10. After the presentation of each group, the facilitator will summarize the output of the activity.
Lecture: Activity 1
A disaster is something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly and
causes much suffering or loss to many people (Merriam Webster Dictionary). One of the prominent
natural disasters is the flood.
Flood is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the volume of water flowing in a system exceeds its
total water holding capacity. It is relatively high water that overflows the natural or artificial banks of
a stream, coastal area, other bodies of water, and accumulation of water by drainage over areas
which are not normally submerged.
Causes of Flooding:
Natural causes like excessive rainfall as a result of certain weather system, seismic activities,
and/or tides
Man-made causes not limited to the following:
- land conversions/surface alterations
- building of storage systems
- improper solid waste disposal
Types of Flooding:
Flash flood - a flood of short duration with a relatively high peak discharge.
Coastal flood -a flood when the coast is flooded by the sea. The cause of such a surge is a
severe storm. The storm wind pushes the water up and creates high waves. A storm is formed
in al low pressure area, as you may know.
River flood
Dam Spill flood
Flood-Related Terminologies:
Flood marks - natural marks left on a structure or objects indicating the maximum stage of floods
Flood plain - nearly level land along a stream flooded only when the streamflow exceeds the
water carrying capacity of the channel
Flood wave - rise in streamflow to a maximum crest and its subsequent recession caused by a
period of precipitation, dam releases, or dam failure
Floodway
- channel constructed to carry excess flood water in excess of the quantity that can
be carried by the stream

Remarkable disasters to hit the Philippines

September 27, 2009 was one of the most
horrible days in the Philippines. Tropical storm
Ondoy pummeled the country with heavy
downfall that caused massive flashfloods that
killed at least 140 people, displaced half a million
people and destroyed more than one billion
pesos worth of properties. Horrible sights of
people getting carried away with the flashfloods
and eventually drowning them with the raging
waves brought up by the flashfloods were
captured by cameras and videos that were
immediately uploaded and seen in the internet.
Vehicles were washed away like toys and
engulfed by the raging torrents and houses were
turned down causing widespread fear among the
residents affected.
At a stretch of two weeks sometime in
September 1972, heavy rains battered Luzon
area, before the declaration of Martial Law.
Floodwaters from Pampanga and Agno Rivers
submerged most parts of Central Luzon. This
flood was known to be the Great Flood of 1972
in Philippine disaster chronicle.

Disasters
and Floods

Ormoc City in Leyte was once devastated

by a colossal flood on the 15th day of November
year 1991, killing about 8,000 people, wherein
half of the victims bodies were never recovered.
Walls of mud and water emanating from
mountain washed away shanties and swept
people into the sea, a tragedy that brought
lamentations all over the place and in the whole
Philippines.

Disasters
and Floods

In September 1998, more than 900

families residing along the Pasig, Pateros,
Marikina, and Napindan (Taguig) Rivers were
submerged by floods after continuous rains.
The floods and high tides submerged 85% of
Malabon, and 26 primary and secondary roads
in Metro Manila were flooded causing major
traffic.

In November 2006, super typhoon

Reming caused floods and power outages
especially in the Bicol area. More than 700
people were killed, 700 were reported missing,
and at least 2,000 people sustained injuries.
This flood affected more than 3.5 million
people.

Typhoon Frank clobbered Western

Visayas with severe flooding in June 2008. It
affected nearly 400,000 families (about 2
million people), not more than 2,500 were left
injured, and 50,000 families were evacuated.
The province that took severe beating from
typhoon Frank and its triggered floods
included Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras
and Negros Occidental.
Super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) may go
down in history as the deadliest natural
disaster to hit the Philippines, with authorities
estimating at least 10,000 dead on one island
alone.
Haiyan made landfall in the eastern island of
Samar on Friday and then cut through the
central islands, causing storm surges, strong
winds and heavy rain that flattened buildings,
toppled trees and electrical poles, and washed
away houses and cars.
The provincial police chief in Leyte, one of the
hardest-hit islands, estimated that 10,000 had
died there. In Samar, a disaster management
official said 300 had died in one town alone
with 2,000 still missing.
The facilitator may give examples of flooding that hit the locality and the corresponding
damage it brought. The facilitator can present data on the number of people affected or
killed, properties damaged and loss of livelihood.

Presentation Of
Existing/Current Projects,
Practices, Plans, Activities
Undertaken Per
Province/Municipality
(Experience Sharing)

Objective
At the end of the session the participants should be able to share and understand projects, practices
and activities related to disaster risk reduction and management among concerned
provinces/municipalities involved for their possible adaptation.

Tools and Materials

Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, crayons and marker

Procedures
Workshop

Activity 3:
1. Same grouping from previous activities.
2. Each group will prepare a presentation about their existing projects, practices and activities
related to DRRM.
3. Each group will have a representative to present their output.
4. After the presentations, the facilitator will summarize the outputs.

Utilization Of Agromet
Data To Existing Disaster
Risk Reduction And
Management Projects
And Activities And
Future Plans Of Different
Provinces/Municipalities

Objective
At the end of the session the participants should be able to understand how to utilize AWS data to
their existing projects, practices and future plans on DRRM.

Tools and Materials

Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, bond paper, ballpen/pencil and marker

Procedures
Workshop

Activity 4:
1. The same group from Activity 3 will discuss within their members the usage of AWS data to
their existing projects, practices and usage to future plans on DRRM.
2. If the group has no project or plan on DRRM, they will make a proposal of what program they
will adapt from other groups and how they will incorporate the usage of AWS data to it.
3. Each group will present their output.
4. The facilitators will review the output of the activity and make necessary appraisal for
improvement.

III. References
Climate Field School Facilitators Manual
Climate Resiliency Field School-Local Climate Information Center:
A Reference Manual for LGUs
General Howitzer Hub Pages, published on the web
EM-DAT, The international Disaster Database, published on the web
Merriam Webster Dictionary
NOAA National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, published on the web