By Aljon P. Tugaoen

To process earth observation data more efficiently, the Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute trained meteorology professors and students of Mariano Marcos State University on artificial intelligence and remote sensing on October 10-14 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

DOST-ASTI experts taught participants on flood mapping, layout maps generation, data assessment and optimization, and pre-processing and analysis of AI and remote sensing data. The training, which included lectures, demonstrations and hands-on activities, was spearheaded by      DOST-ASTI director Franz de Leon and chief science research specialist Alvin Retamar.     

Mr. Angelo Benedict Ragunjan, chair of department of physical sciences, expressed his gratitude to DOST-ASTI, saying, “the training expanded our skills in applying these technologies to flood monitoring and land caver identification.”

The use of AI and remote sensing is vital in processing earth observation data and automating the detection of features from satellite images.    

The training is in line with DOST-ASTI’s project titled Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System for Innovative Terrestrial Monitoring and Maritime Surveillance (SARwAIS).

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed delight about the thriving DOST-MMSU partnership. “It is of paramount importance that we produce competent graduates equipped with advanced technological skills, and we can achieve this with the help of our staunched partners,” she beamed.     

MMSU is one of the only four universities in the Philippines that offer BS Meteorology, along with Central Luzon State University, Visayas State University and Bicol University. The university will house the country’s first-ever school-based meteorology laboratory sponsored by Senator Sonny Angara. (JVBT/HYL, StratCom)