In the past few years, cloud seeding operations (CSOps) conducted by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) that induced the occurrence of rainfall during dry spells and droughts have helped in saving immeasurable amount of agricultural crops from total destruction. Moreover, CSOps in the watersheds of large reservoirs have also improved the water supply for domestic, power generation and other purposes.
Cloud seeding operations is one of the support services of BSWM to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. These activities are primarily undertaken to supplement the water requirements of standing crops during period of abnormally low rainfall.
The BSWM has been performing CSOps since 1987 by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 116. The importance of cloud seeding as a strategy to minimize the effects of prolonged droughts to agriculture and other economic sectors was further recognized through EO 338 and the Rationalization Plan in the public sector through EO No. 366. The Rationalization Plan paved the way for the creation of the Agro-Hydrology and Rain Stimulation Section (AHRSS) under the Water Resources Management Division as a regular unit handling cloud seeding concerns. The creation of AHRSS has given permanent status to the unit and has replaced a previous group whose existence was ad hoc in nature. The function of the section is to coordinate, monitor and provide technical assistance in the conduct of CSOps in agricultural production areas and watersheds of major dams as requested during El Niño events or prolonged dry spells.
While the BSWM provides leadership in any CSOp, the undertaking requires the involvement of other participants including the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The DA RFOs and the LGUs typically provide logistical support and cloud seeding materials while the PAF through its 900th Air Force Weather Group allows the use of their aircraft, Cloud Seeding Officers and Technicians. On the other hand, PAG-ASA provides timely weather forecasts and drought outlook while CAAP allocates air space in target areas for CSOps.
The demand for CSOps services is increasing as a result of climate change. Global warming has altered climatic conditions such that the occurrence of rains has shifted from the previous normal. The growing unpredictability of rainfall and the increasing occurrence of droughts and dry spells are unfortunate events contributing to the more frequent tightening of the water supply. Hence, augmenting the existing water sources through CSOps is becoming more imperative.
In 2019 a total of six (6) CSOps were conducted with 90.04% overall success rate: 217 out of 241 sorties produced rainfall of varying depth in the target areas. A total of 306 hours and 49 minutes of flying time was spent dispensing 4,365 bags (109,125kgs) of cloud seeding salt.
For CY2020, a total of three (3) CSOps were conducted with 88.37% overall success rate: 38 out of 43 sorties produced light (trace-2.5mm/hr) and moderate (2.5-7.5mm/hr) to heavy rains (greater than 7.5mm/hr) in the target areas. A total of 62 hours and 44 minutes was consumed and 625 bags (15,625) of cloud seeding salt were dispensed.The two (2) CSOps in Angat and La Mesa Dam watersheds, Bulacan agricultural areas and National Capital Region (February 26-April 3, 2020 and April 25-May 12, 2020) were able to sustain the allocation for irrigation in Angat-Maasin River Integrated Irrigation System (AMRIIS), allocation for domestic water requirements and support the Plant, Plant, Plant Program of DA (DA-4Ps) in Metro Manila Urban Gardening. The CSOp was suspended last May 12 due to the passage of Severe Tropical Storm AMBO. On the other hand, the CSOp in Irawan and Montible watersheds in Palawan is to support the crop water requirements in agricultural areas and domestic water requirements of Puerto Princesa City Water District (April 19-May 12, 2020).
Cloud Seeding Operation for CY 2019
Region 2- Magat Dam and its Watershed and Agricultural Areas
A total of 67 sorties were conducted with 75 hours consumed and 989 bags (24,725kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 92.53%, 62 out of 67 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in agricultural areas, Magat Dam and its watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, farmers, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
Region 11 & 12 Agricultural Areas in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato
A total of 8 sorties were conducted with 10 hours and 14 minutes consumed and 185 bags (4,625kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 87.50%, 7 out of 8 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in agricultural areas, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato through the actual observation of the partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, farmers, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
Region 3/NCR- Angat and La Mesa Dam and its Watershed
A total of 83 sorties were conducted with 109 hours and 43 minutes consumed and 2001 bags (50,025kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 95%, 79 out of 83 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in Angat and La Mesa Dam and its Watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
Region 4B- Campo Uno Dam and Irawan Watershed
A total of 37 sorties were conducted with 40 hours consumed and 490 bags (12,250kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 75.67%, 28 out of 37 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in Campo Uno Dam and Irawan Watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, PPCWD personnel, online monitoring group and rain gauge.
Region 7- Bohol Major Dams and Agricultural Areas
A total of 26 sorties were conducted with 42 hours consumed and 385 bags (9,625kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 92.31%, 24 out of 26 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in agricultural areas, Malinao Dam, Bayongan Dam, Capayas Dam, Zamora Dam and its Watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, farmers, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
A total of 20 sorties were conducted with 29 hours and 52 minutes consumed and 315 bags (7,875kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 85%, 17 out of 20 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in agricultural areas, Malinao Dam, Bayongan Dam, Capayas Dam, Zamora Dam and its Watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, farmers, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
Cloud Seeding Operation for CY 2020
Region 3- Bulacan Agricultural Areas, Angat Dam & La Mesa and its Watershed and Portions of NCR
A total of 16 sorties were conducted with 20 hours and 44 minutes consumed and 208 bags (5,200kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 93.75%, 15 out of 16 sorties resulted in light to moderate rains monitored in Angat and La Mesa Dam and its Watershed and Bulacan agricultural Areas through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, partner LGU Agricultural Technicians, online monitoring group, rain gauges and radar reflectivity.
Region 4B- Campo Uno Dam, Irawan, Monteble and Lapu-Lapu Watershed
A total of 27 sorties were conducted with 42 hours consumed and 387 bags (9,675kgs) of seeding agent dispensed over the target areas. Success rate is 85.19%, 23 out of 276 sorties resultedin light to moderate rains monitored in Campo Uno Dam and Irawan Watershed through the actual observation of the deployed PAF, PPCWD personnel, online monitoring group and rain gauge.
