PAGASA, NIA, SNAP PREPARE COMMUNITIES FOR RAINY SEASON

October 10, 2022 Community Billboard

SNAP-Magat Assistant Vice President and Plant Manager, Engr. Edgardo Bundalian talked about the SNAP’s operation of the Magat Hydroelectric facility. The non-power components, such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways, are owned, managed, and operated by the government

Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power Magat (SNAP-Magat), together with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the National Irrigation Administration- Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIAMARIIS), strengthens public’s information on Magat dam management and operations, disaster preparedness, and comprehensive understanding
of weather conditions through an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign.

Municipal and barangay officials from Alfonso Lista in Ifugao, Ramon, and San Mateo in Isabela; Aurora and Cabatuan in Isabela; and Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu in Isabela participated in the three-day clustered IECs held from September 21-23. The in-person activities were held in Santiago
City. Approximately around 300 community members from Isabela and Ifugao attended the lectures.

The annual IEC led by PAGASA emphasizes the importance of risk management and coordination among key stakeholders and communities around the Magat dam, which is used primarily for irrigation, and secondarily for power generation and flood control. Extreme weather events that bring massive rains require the dam operator to conduct water releases, which is done to ensure that the reservoir does
not reach critical levels. During such events, SNAP-Magat, NIA, and PAGASA coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safety and protection of the communities in the area.