UPLB IdSC Water visits LLDA for data request and MOU discussion
June 27, 2022
As the principal research organization of the HyDEPP-SATREPS project in the Philippines, the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water paid a visit to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) main office on June 24, 2022. The primary purpose is on collaboration agreements between the two offices especially with regards to data sharing.
Prior to the visit, the Laguna de Bay sediment group of the project already had communication with LLDA regarding data and reports that will be needed from the latter. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for data sharing was also drafted for further discussion in the visit.
The visit was led by Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez (Project Manager and Group 3 Leader) on the UPLB IdSC Water side and by Engr. Jocelyn G. Sta. Ana (Division Chief, Environmental Laboratory and Research Division) on the LLDA side. Other attendees from UPLB were Dr. Aurelio A. Delos Reyes, Jr. (Member of the Laguna de Bay sediment group), Ms. Catherine B. Gigantone (Secretariat, UPLB IdSC Water) and Mr. Julius Angelo DJ. Galang (Project Assistant).
The event started with a short presentation/update of the Laguna de Bay sediment group in order to highlight the importance of the data being requested. Studies conducted by both the Japan and Philippine side showing models formulated using related data were presented. This was then followed by a brief discussion regarding the MOU draft which is still for further revisions to come up with the final version for signing. Specifically, the UPLB IdSC Water was able to obtain the latest report on bathymetry which will be very useful for the group.
More meetings like this are expected in the future in order to keep both sides on track of the progress of the project and to make data sharing and utilization more efficient.