THE Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with global weather intelligence company Tomorrow.io is using purpose-built AI-driven models and proprietary network of low-Earth orbit satellites to enable micro-weather forecasting at the plot level.
The partnership aims to transform how weather forecasting supports farming by leveraging technology to deliver precise and timely agronomy advice, such as when to apply pesticides or delay irrigation based on incoming rainfall.
Tomorrow.io is headquartered in the US and is also a technology provider for US agencies including NOAA, NASA and the Department of Defense, has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration to help farmers adapt to volatile climate conditions and boost productivity using artificial intelligence in the Philippines.
“The Philippines, with its geographically complex archipelago and remote farming communities, faces unique weather forecasting challenges that traditional ground-based systems alone cannot address,” said Shimon Elkabetz, co-founder and CEO of Tomorrow.io. “Our proprietary space-based satellite constellation was purpose-built to fill those coverage gaps and provide high-resolution, real-time weather intelligence across the country, even in the most hard-to-reach and underserved areas.”
The joint effort comes at a critical time, with the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, already affecting various parts of the country and signaling the arrival of the rainy season.
In 2024 alone, the agriculture sector suffered P57.78 billion in damage due to weather disturbances, affecting more than 1.4 million farmers and fishers. The losses included 2.19 million metric tons of production across nearly 1 million hectares, according to data from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center. The figures underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient practices and more effective forecasting tools.
“As the only global provider of this type of space-based weather technology, Tomorrow.io ensures truly national coverage. This allows for faster, more accurate early warnings, empowering farmers and local industries to make informed decisions during severe weather events,” Elkabetz added.
By providing accurate, location-specific weather data, the initiative enables farmers to make informed decisions, manage inputs more efficiently, mitigate weather-related losses and enhance yields under increasingly unpredictable conditions.
Tomorrow.io collects high-resolution atmospheric data through its proprietary satellite constellation, which is processed by physics-based and AI-powered models to deliver accurate forecasts. The intelligence is translated into predictive insights through a scalable software platform, enabling proactive risk management across multiple industries.
The company’s technology has been used in global development initiatives, including programs supported by the Bill & M elinda Gates Foundation in Africa. In the Philippines, the licensing agreement allows Tomorrow.io to extend its services beyond agriculture to other critical sectors, including shipping and aviation, where real-time weather data is vital for safety and efficiency.
