₱3-B upgrade for PAGASA

The government will set aside an initial ₱3 billion for the modernization of the The Philippine Atmospheric, geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.

The government will set aside an initial ₱3 billion for the modernization of the State weather agency, from equipment upgrade to manpower training, based on a new law signed by President Aquino.

Republic Act No. 10692, or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Modernization Act of 2015, also mandates a new salary scale as well as additional incentive for weather personnel.

“The State also recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of government personnel tasked to provide atmospheric, geophysical, astronomical, and other weather and climate-related services and information to the public,” the law read.

“Towards this end, the State shall undertake the modernization of the PAGASA to improve its technological operational capacity, strengthen its role as the premier national weather agency, and to attain its vision as a center of excellence for weather-related information services,” added the law signed by the President last November 3 and that will take effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers.

The new law created the PAGASA Modernization Fund that will be used for the upgrade of weather and flood monitoring and warning equipment and other facilities, among others.

The initial ₱3 billion will be taken from the share of the national government in the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Two years after after the effectivity of RA 10692, at least ₱1.5 billion will be released to PAGASA every year.