QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 78)
It is known and cited as the “Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Science Act of 1972.”
To provide protection against natural calamities and utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety, well-being, and economic security of all the people, and for national progress.
Examples include: (1) intensifying research and providing incentives; (2) undertaking measures to minimize adverse effects of natural disasters (typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis) including weather modification/modern advances; (3) recommending innovations in education to create awareness and competent scientific personnel; (4) facilitating acquisition, collection, archiving, and processing of data for use by the public and sectors like agriculture and industry; (5) promoting coordination to minimize duplication; and (6) establishing weather stations in strategic places.
The PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) was created and placed under the Department of National Defense.
To observe and report the weather of the Philippines and specified adjacent areas, issue forecasts and warnings of weather and flood conditions affecting national safety, welfare, and economy; and coordinate pre-disaster/community preparedness planning to minimize losses of lives and property due to natural disasters.
To undertake, in coordination with other agencies, activities geared towards the moderation of typhoons using modern scientific and technological advances to reduce destructive potentials while retaining beneficial effects, and to undertake other weather modification projects.
To conduct continuous earthquake recording and observation through an adequate seismological network; to gather information for safety factors in building and infrastructure design; to contribute to research leading to earthquake prediction; and to issue advisories and precautionary measures to areas affected by strong earthquakes.
To coordinate with international organizations in tsunami and typhoon warning dissemination, particularly to coastal regions of the Philippines bound to be affected.
It must: (1) provide and disseminate the precise standard time of the Philippines; (2) maintain and operate an adequate satellite tracking and monitoring system for weather surveillance and other astronomical information; and (3) provide an adequate communications system for reception/transmission of meteorological, seismic, and astronomical reports, including exchange of weather information internationally.
National Weather Service; National Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Information Service; and National Institute of Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences.
To undertake operational activities on observation, moderation, modification, and reporting of weather within the Philippine area of responsibility, and to issue forecasts and warnings of weather and flood conditions affecting national safety, welfare, and economy.
To develop high-level knowledge in these sciences to supply well-trained scientists and technological personnel; and to conduct research in atmospheric science (including weather modification), geophysics, and astronomy.
The Administrator is appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The Administrator must be a Philippine citizen with proven executive ability and distinguished themselves in science and technology (and must not be holding another appointive or elective position in a concurrent capacity).
He holds office during good behavior and shall not be removed therefrom except for cause.
Subject to approval of the Secretary of National Defense, the Administrator may conduct sealed bids and/or canvass of the foreign and/or local market without the intervention of the Bureau of Supply Coordination for technical and scientific instruments, materials, equipment, and supplies.
In actual real emergencies related to PAG-ASA functions, the Administrator may disburse up to ₱50,000 per month from PAG-ASA funds appropriated for specified purposes or from savings without prior authority/approval from any other office. The Administrator is answerable only to the Secretary of National Defense and the President.
The Weather Bureau is abolished, and its personnel, records, assets, liabilities, funds, and unexpended appropriation are transferred to PAG-ASA. The incumbent Weather Bureau Director continues as the Administrator of PAG-ASA.
₱14,000,000 total: ₱10,000,000 exclusively for the purchase of modern weather equipment to rehabilitate/upgrade worn out, defective, old, and burned facilities; ₱4,000,000 for capital outlay, personnel, and other operating expenses of PAG-ASA.
Employees performing official duties involving exposure to personal danger may receive additional compensation determined by the Administrator and approved by the Secretary of National Defense, excluding usual per diems and allowances, but total additional compensation cannot exceed 25% of annual salary for one year.