3 Billion Pesos Spent on PAGASA Modernization

The wait is over for the long overdue modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Last November 3, 2015, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Republic Act No. 10692 or “PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015.” In a statement, the Official Gazette explained that the modernization of the state weather bureau should have the following components:

– Modernization of Physical Resources and Operational Techniques
– Enhancement of Research and Development Capability
– Establishment of Regional Weather Service Centers
– Establishment of PAGASA Data Center
– Enhancement of Weather Data Collection and Information Dissemination Services
– Creation of a Human Resource Development Program, which includes a New Salary Scale for PAGASA Personnel.

Under this, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PAGASA personnel in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government” with a corresponding increase in the base pay, allowances and other benefits.

PAGASA FORECASTERS/pahaon.tv archive

The modernization plan likewise includes PAGASA Personnel Retention Incentive and Scholarship Program and; Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program.

To implement the agency’s update, the government will spend an initial P3 billion for the modernization of the state weather agency from national government in the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

For two years after the effectivity of this Act, an amount of 1.5 billion pesos per year shall be released to the PAGASA. The entire amount of P3 billion including any interest income thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
Meanwhile, PAGASA is elated by this development. In an interview with PanahonTV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio shared that he expects the Modernization Law to hamper the brain drain within the bureau.
“Tumataba ang puso namin dahil ‘yung ginagawa namin trabaho, [‘yung] responsibility namin, napansin ng pamahalaan at sinuklian nila. Matagal na naming pinapangarap na matulungan kami ng ating pamahalaan dahil nga sa matagal nang problema… ‘yung brain drain, kakulangan sa tao, umaalis dahil sa maganda ‘yung opportunity sa iba kaysa dito.”
According to Aurelio, the upgrading will also affect PAGASA’s services, equipment and trainings, which will consequently benefit the public.
“Mas gaganda pa ang aming pagbibigay ng taya ng panahon, forecasts… mas accurate kaysa ‘yung dati,” he said.
SOURCE: http://www.gov.ph/2015/11/03/republic-act-no-10692/