Mandate of PAGASA
- Provide updated, accurate, and timely data on atmospheric, astronomical, and weather phenomena
- Assist government and people in disaster preparedness against natural calamities
- Conduct science and technology-based assessments for decision-making in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation
- Fulfill the country's commitments in international meteorological and climate agreements
Objectives of PAGASA Modernization
- Upgrade physical resources and operational techniques with state-of-the-art equipment and systems
- Enhance research and development capabilities with an integrated approach
- Integrate disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and water resources management in development planning
- Strengthen national cooperation on weather and climate information
- Establish regional weather service centers for localized service delivery
- Build a technology-based data center aligned with international standards
- Promote public information, education, and advocacy on hazards and climate change impacts
- Ensure effective information dissemination to decision-makers, media, and public
- Improve personnel compensation to promote professionalism and commitment
Organizational Structure
- PAGASA attached to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for policy coordination
- Headed by an Administrator with rank equivalent to Department Undersecretary appointed by the President
- Assisted by three Deputy Administrators for Operations and Regional Services, Research and Development, and Administration, Finance and Engineering
Qualifications for Top Officials
- Philippine citizenship and residency
- Good moral character and proven integrity
- Advanced degree in Meteorology or related fields
- At least five years of expertise in meteorology, geophysics, astronomy or allied sciences
- Administrator and two Deputies to be career executive officers
Components of Modernization
- Physical Resources and Operational Techniques: Acquire and upgrade instruments and systems focused on weather and flood monitoring
- Research and Development: Rationalized, integrated efforts aimed at operational improvement and specialized services
- Regional Weather Service Centers: Establish flood forecasting sub-centers in strategic locations
- PAGASA Data Center: Centralize technical data for government, media, academia, and public access
- Weather Data Collection and Information Dissemination: Use local dialects and simple terms, partner with government and private entities
- Human Resource Development Program:
- New salary scale complying with the Magna Carta for scientists
- Personnel Retention Incentive up to 20% of monthly basic salary
- Scholarship programs for meteorology and related studies, including training and international cooperation
- Regional and International Cooperation: Collaborate with regional and international bodies for modernization efforts
Formulation and Submission of Modernization Program
- DOST Secretary and PAGASA Administrator to formulate and oversee implementation
- Coordinate with DBM and NEDA
- Program to include requirements, projects, priorities, schedules, and costs
- Submission to the President within 90 days from the Act’s effectivity
Implementation Period
- Initial period of three years
- Payments for multi-year contracts allowed beyond three years
- PAGASA to continuously modernize beyond the program period
PAGASA Modernization Fund
- Created exclusively for modernization program use
- Sources:
- P3 billion from PAGCOR gross income share (P1.5 billion per year for two years)
- Income from specialized products and cost recovery program
- Loans, grants, bequests, donations (local or foreign)
- Authorized loan agreements with foreign financial institutions
- Fund administered by PAGASA Administrator under government budgeting and auditing rules
Specialized Products and Cost Recovery Program
- Revenue generated from specialized meteorological products and services, especially aviation/maritime weather, certifications, and publications
- No fees on regular and special forecasts, warnings affecting national safety, and other public good services
Progress Reporting
- Annual report on modernization status by the PAGASA Administrator
- Submission through DOST Secretary to the President and Congressional committees by June 30 each year
Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to current fiscal year appropriations of DOST-PAGASA
- Continued funds to be included in the General Appropriations Act
- Additional funds may come from grants and donations with appropriate approvals
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- To be issued within 90 days from effectivity by DOST, PAGASA, and DBM for effective implementation
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remainder of the Act
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, orders, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly
Effectivity Clause
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two national newspapers