In a strategic move to bolster climate resilience and water security, Prime Infrastructure Inc. (Prime Infra) has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to fund the installation of an automated weather station in the Upper Marikina River Watershed. The initiative, part of the DENR’s Watershed Instrumentation Program, is supported by a P6.2 million donation from Prime Infra and aims to generate real-time environmental data critical for disaster preparedness and sustainable watershed management.
The memorandum of agreement and deed of donation were signed on September 8, 2025, at the DENR Central Office, marking a milestone in public-private collaboration for environmental protection.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
Prime Infra has donated over P6.2 million to support the DENR’s Watershed Instrumentation Program
An automated weather station will be installed in the Upper Marikina River Watershed
The station will measure air temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation
Data collected will support early warning systems for floods and landslides
The initiative aligns with national goals for climate resilience and proactive resource management
Purpose and Scope of the Weather Station
Real-Time Environmental Monitoring The weather station will provide continuous data on key atmospheric parameters, enabling accurate forecasting and timely alerts. This data will be crucial for designing disaster risk reduction strategies and informing local government responses to extreme weather events.
Watershed Health and Management The Upper Marikina River Watershed is a vital ecological zone that supports biodiversity, water supply, and flood mitigation. Monitoring its conditions will help guide conservation efforts, land use planning, and infrastructure development in surrounding communities.
Community Preparedness The station’s data will be accessible to stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. It will empower communities with actionable insights to prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards.
Statements from Key Leaders
DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, stating that the partnership enhances conservation and sustainable resource management.
Prime Infra President Guillaume Lucci described the donation as an investment in transparency and proactive stewardship, noting that it reflects the company’s commitment to environmental goals beyond its project sites.
Strategic Relevance and Broader Impact
The Philippines ranks 38th out of 191 countries in climate change disaster risk, making initiatives like this essential for national resilience.
The Upper Marikina watershed has faced increasing pressure from urbanization, deforestation, and erratic weather patterns.
By integrating technology into environmental governance, the project sets a precedent for data-driven decision-making in natural resource management.
Future Outlook and Expansion Potential
The success of this pilot station may pave the way for similar installations in other critical watersheds across the country.
Prime Infra and DENR are exploring additional collaborations focused on renewable energy, water infrastructure, and biodiversity conservation.
The initiative is expected to inspire other private sector entities to contribute meaningfully to climate adaptation efforts.
Conclusion
Prime Infra’s funding of a weather station in the Upper Marikina River Watershed represents a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship. By combining financial support with technological innovation, the partnership with DENR is poised to deliver tangible benefits in disaster preparedness, ecological protection, and community resilience. As climate challenges intensify, such collaborations will be key to safeguarding the Philippines’ natural heritage and ensuring sustainable development.
Sources: Manila Standard, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessWorld Online
