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The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) recently commemorated the remarkable accomplishments of its Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department at two esteemed occasions. Engr. Edmund G. Monilar, together with his research team, has achieved prestigious accolades, highlighting TUP's dedication to innovation and outstanding research.
 

Engr. Monilar, a faculty member of TUP Manila's ECE Department, received the accolades of Best Research Presenter and Best Research for his team's work titled "LÍKAS" at the 2nd Research Conference on Software and Computing Technology (RCSCT). The event occurred at The Bayleaf Cavite on June 18, 2024. This acknowledgment emphasizes the exceptional caliber and influence of their research.

Team LIKAS maintained their winning record by emerging as the victors at the PACKET HACKS 2024, an Internet of Things Conference (IoT Conference Philippines). Packetworx presented the event in The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, on June 25, 2024. The team, named LIKAS, consisted of Erica A. Alba, Marjorie Cattlyn D. Atas, Bianca Victoria Batario, Eliza Mae Ocampo, and Elian Justin Broso, showcased their innovative idea under the supervision of their adviser, Engr. Monilar. The LIKAS project, titled "A Machine Learning Based Weather and Flood Monitoring and Early Warning System with Evacuation Routing for Bacoor City," was distinguished among 14 rival teams. The system provides up-to-date weather and flood monitoring specifically for Bacoor City. It includes an advanced warning system installed in dams to quickly notify inhabitants using a mobile application. Additionally, it has a routing system that guides citizens to safe evacuation routes in case of crises.

In an interview with Philippine Artisan, Engr. Monilar expressed great delight at their unforeseen triumph. "Cloud 9 is the most fitting expression we can use to describe our immense happiness as the recent victor," he divulged. Despite encountering substantial obstacles such as strict time limits and limited resources, team leader Ms. Eliza Ocampo emphasized the team's determination. She stated that they had insufficient time to prepare because of the manuscript and thesis requirements. Even though they had considered withdrawing, their presenter diligently rehearsed the night prior to the event, thus they had little anticipation of winning.

The project was motivated by the discrepancies found in local government announcements regarding weather conditions. This led the team to create a system that provides decision-makers with precise and reliable data. Engr. Monilar observed that there were occasions when class suspensions were declared in the absence of rain, whereas nearby places had significant rainfall. This insight prompted the development of a strategic framework that offers dependable information for decision-makers such as mayors and disaster response teams. The project's success was greatly influenced by the active support and contact with the local government of Bacoor City.

Packet Hacks, the organizing institution, specializes in Internet-of-Things services that are in line with the national government's strategy. It works together with local organizations such as DICT to engage colleges that provide sophisticated technology.