Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- State policy to provide protection against natural calamities.
- Utilize scientific knowledge for safety, well-being, and economic security.
- Government commitment to:
- Intensify research in atmospheric, geophysical, and astronomical sciences.
- Minimize effects of typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis.
- Innovate educational system to produce competent scientific personnel.
- Acquire, collect, process, and provide atmospheric, geophysical, and astronomical data.
- Promote coordination and cooperation in scientific research.
- Establish weather stations in strategic locations nationwide.
Creation of PAG-ASA: Powers, Duties, and Functions
- PAG-ASA created under the Department of National Defense.
- Functions include:
- Weather observation, forecasting, and warning issuance for safety and economy.
- Coordination in typhoon moderation and weather modification projects.
- Continuous earthquake monitoring and issuing advisories.
- International coordination for tsunami and typhoon warnings.
- Providing the precise Philippine standard time and satellite tracking.
- Dissemination of meteorological, seismic, and astronomical information.
- Coordination with national agencies for disaster preparedness.
- Collection and dissemination of scientific data for public and sectoral benefit.
- Conducting research and providing training facilities.
- Acceptance of donations for PAG-ASA objectives.
Major Organizational Units of PAG-ASA and Their Functions
- Composed of:
- National Weather Service: operational weather observation and forecasting.
- National Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Data Service: data acquisition, processing, and climatology studies.
- National Geophysical and Astronomical Service: geophysical and astronomical observations, public advisories, and official time service.
- National Institute of Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences: scientific manpower development and research.
Leadership and Personnel
- Administrator:
- Appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments confirmation.
- Must be a citizen with proven executive ability and distinction in science and technology.
- Serves during good behavior; removal only for cause.
- Heads of organizational units:
- Citizens with proven executive ability and distinction in their fields.
- Subordinate personnel appointed by Administrator upon recommendations.
Powers and Duties of the Administrator
- Promulgate rules and regulations for PAG-ASA operations.
- Supervise and control all units.
- Delegate functions to officers and employees.
- Prescribe working hours to maintain 24-hour watches.
- Require overtime during emergencies with authorized pay.
- Authorize research incentive pay for published works.
- Provide living quarters for on-call personnel.
- Submit annual reports to the Secretary of National Defense.
Procurement Authority
- Authorized to conduct sealed bids or canvass foreign/local markets for scientific equipment without Bureau of Supply Coordination intervention, subject to Secretary of National Defense approval.
Emergency Disbursement Authority
- Administrator may disburse up to fifty thousand pesos per month during natural calamities without prior approval.
- Disbursements must be for official PAG-ASA expenditures during actual emergencies.
- Accountability only to Secretary of National Defense and the President.
Hazardous Duty Pay
- Additional compensation for personnel exposed to personal danger during natural calamities.
- Amount determined by Administrator and approved by Secretary of National Defense.
- Limited to 25% of annual salary for one year; excludes per diems and other allowances.
Appropriations
- Fourteen million pesos authorized:
- Ten million pesos for modern weather equipment.
- Four million pesos for capital outlay, personnel, and operating expenses.
Transfer and Reorganization
- Weather Bureau abolished; personnel, assets, liabilities, and funds transferred to PAG-ASA.
- Incumbent Director of Weather Bureau continues as PAG-ASA Administrator.
- Administrator authorized to reorganize internally for efficiency and economy, subject to Secretary of National Defense approval.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- All conflicting laws, orders, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly.
- Immediate implementation as part of Integrated Reorganization Plan under Presidential Decree No. 1.
- All concerned mandated to comply with this Decree.