Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10692)
Republic Act No. 10692 is officially known as the PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015.
The State declares the policy to utilize scientific and technical knowledge to ensure safety, well-being, economic security, safeguard the environment, and promote sustainable socioeconomic development through applications of meteorology, geophysics, astronomy, and allied sciences.
PAGASA is mandated to provide adequate, up-to-date data, and timely information on atmospheric, astronomical and weather-related phenomena to help government and people prepare for calamities and support decision-making related to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and water resource management.
PAGASA shall be headed by an Administrator with the rank and compensation of a Department Undersecretary, appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
They must be Filipino citizens and residents, of good moral character, proven integrity, holders of advanced degrees in Meteorology or related fields, and have at least 5 years of expertise in meteorology, geophysics, astronomy or allied sciences. The Administrator and two Deputy Administrators must be career executive officers.
Key components include modernization of physical resources and operational techniques, enhancement of R&D capability, establishment of regional weather service centers and a data center, enhancement of data collection and dissemination services, human resource development programs, and development of regional and international cooperation.
The fund is sourced from a P3 billion allocation from PAGCOR's gross income for two years, income from PAGASA specialized products and cost recovery program, and loans, grants or donations. The fund is used exclusively for capital outlay and modernization projects.
PAGASA can charge fees for specialized weather products and services such as those related to aviation and maritime industries, weather certifications, and scientific publications. However, no fees shall be charged for regular forecasts, warnings critical to national safety, and other public good services.
DOST acts as the attached agency for policy and program coordination, formulates the modernization program with PAGASA and other agencies, and oversees program implementation. The Secretary of DOST also approves specialized services fees and authorizes loans related to the program.
The program shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) years but PAGASA shall continue to modernize and update its operational capabilities even beyond this period.