Promoting Taiwan-Philippines Bilateral Exchange on Slope Disasters and Soil and Water Conservation - Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation, MOA

This overseas study focused on Taiwan-Philippines technical exchanges in slope disaster management and soil and water conservation, addressing similar natural disasters and climate change impacts faced by both countries. The Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture (ARDSWC-MOA), and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) have promoted technical exchanges since early cooperation, leading to the signing of the "MOU on Landslide and Debris Flow Disaster Research" in May 2024. The collaboration covers soil and water conservation, geological disaster research, climate change adaptation, and the application of advanced technologies.

The delegation visited PHIVOLCS, the Institute of Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines (UP ICE), the Taal Volcano Observatory, and landslide sites in Talisay City. The Philippine side shared its DynaSlope landslide early warning system, which integrates sensors, rain gauges, and community cooperation, as well as the use of satellite rainfall data; however, early warnings for small-scale landslides still require further improvement. The study also examined PAGASA's role in reservoir spillway operations and flood monitoring and warning systems.

Finally, an official bilateral meeting was held, where both parties agreed to strengthen future cooperation through post-disaster investigation experience sharing, the establishment of demonstration sites, academic promotion, and personnel exchanges, further deepening Taiwan-Philippines collaboration in disaster prevention and mitigation and fostering a safer and more sustainable environment.