BUILT TO SAVE LIVES: Student researchers take Project NOAH further with real-time flood monitoring

QUEZON CITY — Project NOAH already gives communities access to valuable flood and hazard information. But what if that broader data could be paired with real-time conditions happening on the ground?

That is the idea behind a flood monitoring system developed by student researchers from Camarines Norte, which took center stage at the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2026 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City.

The project, titled “Project F.L.O.W.S. (Flood Level Observation and Warning System): A Computationally Modeled Wind and Solar-Powered LoRa Network for Intelligent Flood Monitoring and Geospatial Mapping,” was created by Moreno Integrated School (MIS) student researcher Cedrick Z. Magana, Francine Karylle Y. Sumulong, and Tristan Jhay Ilagan in partnership with research and technical partner Evtech Research Group.

Rather than relying solely on existing flood and hazard information, Project F.L.O.W.S. adds another layer: localized, real-time data gathered directly from flood-prone areas. The system combines this ground-level monitoring with geospatial information to help communities see not only where flooding is historically or computationally expected, but what is actually happening on the ground as conditions change.

Inspired by recurring localized floods that submerge communities in Daet even during light rainfall, the initiative places disaster risk reduction and community safety at the heart of youth innovation.

"This research study was inspired by the prevailing conditions in Daet, where localized flooding occurs frequently," shared MIS Junior High School research adviser Jenny Y. Sanchez, emphasizing that the setup directly addresses life-threatening delays in flood alerts when power grids and cellular networks collapse during typhoons.

Project F.L.O.W.S. combines hybrid solar and wind renewable energy with Long Range (LoRa) radio frequency, Raspberry Pi microcomputers, ultrasonic sensors, and rain gauges. During actual field data gathering, the system demonstrated its capability to transmit real-time flood monitoring updates and geospatial risk maps across a 15-to-20-kilometer radius without relying on commercial power grids or internet access—giving emergency responders and local residents crucial lead time to prepare and evacuate.

The community-focused solution earned national validation after sweeping championship titles at the Division Science and Technology Fair at Basud National High School and the Regional Science and Technology Fair at Robinsons Naga, marking MIS's historic first appearance in the national finals under the Mathematical and Computational Team Category.

Ensuring the system's reliability during extreme weather conditions proved to be a critical test for the team. During the regional competition, high ambient temperatures triggered an unexpected thermal malfunction two hours before judging. The student researchers contacted the Evtech team via video call for remote technical guidance, successfully resolving the hardware issue on-site.

MIS Senior High School research adviser Joellyn C. Apolinario noted that hands-on technical mentorship from Evtech empowered students to build resilient systems designed for real-world application.

"Whenever small issues came up, their team quickly found solutions and took the time to teach our students how to troubleshoot properly," Apolinario said, adding that the process helped researchers gain the confidence to manage complex disaster-response systems independently.

For the student researchers, transforming early technical challenges into a practical emergency response tool reinforced their commitment to community service.

“When we were ready to give up, the Evtech Research Group, led by Sir Earl Daniel Villanueva, came into our lives, and everything finally felt lighter,” reflected Sumulong, who served as the primary researcher and team presenter.

Magana, who served as team lead and hardware builder, stressed the mindset required to build technology that serves the public. "Be open-minded and let your imagination work, but always remember: 'mata sa langit, paa sa lupa, puso sa ginagawa,'" Magana noted.

Adviser Sanchez urged young innovators across the country to ground their scientific efforts in local community welfare.

"Keep your eyes open to the needs of your surroundings until you find a meaningful problem to solve," Sanchez advised. "Be driven by a desire to help your community through impactful and innovative technology."

The multi-month effort was guided by advisers Sanchez and Apolinario, alongside faculty mentors Senen Rafael, Marites Ortua, Alicia Ibita Quinito, Ma’am Shay, and Sir Fabian, with support from the Local Government Unit of Daet and the researchers' families.

Evtech Research Group confirmed that field data and computational models from Project F.L.O.W.S. will serve as a foundation for future joint initiatives aimed at building climate-resilient and flood-ready communities.