Law Summary
Government Responsibilities and Research Objectives
- Conduct research on typhoon structure, development, and movement.
- Improve prediction methods for typhoons and associated floods.
- Compile climatological and hydrological data for flood prevention and agro-industrial use.
- Apply scientific measures to lessen the effects of typhoons, floods, rains, and droughts.
- Assess environmental impacts of these scientific measures and initiate safeguards against detrimental effects.
Creation and Composition of the Council
- Establishes a Council on Typhoon Moderation and Flood Control Research and Development under the Office of the President.
- Membership includes key government officials: Executive Secretary (Chairman), Secretary of National Defense (Vice-Chairman), Chairman of the National Science Development Board, Secretary of Public Works and Communications, Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, and Director of the Weather Bureau.
Functions and Duties of the Council
- Develop and formulate a comprehensive research and development program within one year.
- Monitor implementation and coordinate planning and programming of government efforts regarding typhoons and floods.
- Advise the President on mitigation measures.
- Represent the government in national, regional, and international conferences on related research and development.
- Submit annual reports to Congress, detailing activities, funds released, expenditures, and status of projects.
- Recommend necessary legislation to Congress.
Role of the Weather Bureau
- Serves as the implementing arm of the Council.
- The Director of the Weather Bureau acts as Executive Director of the Council.
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining various meteorological and hydrological stations and systems including radar and upper air stations.
- Establish a research center equipped with modern technology like computers and aircraft.
- Philippine Air Force assists in air operations.
- Priority for radar installation given to areas in Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Southern Mindanao currently lacking coverage.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial appropriation of ten million pesos (P10,000,000.00) from the National Treasury.
- Annual additional appropriation of ten million pesos for four years.
- Annual allocation of Four Million One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P4,100,000) specifically for aircraft purchase and operation for program purposes.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon its approval.