Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 78)
The official title is the "Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Science Act of 1972."
The State's policy is to provide protection against natural calamities and to utilize scientific knowledge as an effective instrument to ensure the safety, well-being, and economic security of all the people, and for the promotion of national progress.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) was created under this decree.
PAG-ASA operates under the Department of National Defense.
PAG-ASA is tasked to observe and report weather, issue forecasts and warnings, conduct earthquake and tsunami monitoring, maintain the Philippine standard time, operate satellite tracking, collect and disseminate data, conduct research, and provide training facilities among other functions.
The Administrator is appointed by the President of the Philippines, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The Administrator must be a Filipino citizen with proven executive ability and distinguished in science and technology, and must not hold any other concurrent government elective or appointive position.
The three units are the National Weather Service, the National Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Data Service, and the National Institute of Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences.
The Administrator may disburse up to fifty thousand pesos per month from PAG-ASA funds during actual natural calamity emergencies without prior approval, being answerable only to the Secretary of National Defense and the President.
Personnel performing official duties involving exposure to danger during natural calamities are entitled to additional compensation up to 25% of their annual salary for one year, exclusive of usual allowances, approved by the Administrator and Secretary of National Defense.
The Weather Bureau was abolished and its personnel, records, assets, liabilities, funds, and unexpended appropriations were transferred to PAG-ASA. The incumbent Director of the Weather Bureau continued as Administrator of PAG-ASA.