WATCH: PAG-ASA chief resigns from duty.
While environmental adversaries continuously stretch the alarming aftermath of climate change, the need to build up a well-equipped weather forecasting bureau has to be given attention and be resolved immediately.
PAG-ASA, in the frontline of weather forecasting, aims to protect lives and properties through timely, accurate and reliable weather-related information.
The agency has been very responsive to its duties and prime responsibilities, despite being behind in the epoch of globalization and advanced technology.
Notwithstanding the brain drain and shortfalls it has experienced in the previous months, PAG-ASA, along with the current Aquino administration, never drops the eagerness to enhance the weather forecasting system in the country.
Under the 16-point agenda of the current Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of President Benigno Aquino III, modernization of the state weather bureau and having adequate experts on weather monitoring have been on the spotlight of the government’s towering priorities.
Through the bilateral efforts made by PNoy, PAG-ASA and other national government agencies, the nation has moved towards achieving new academic programs degrees for meteorology and atmospheric physics established in several colleges; adequate funds in purchasing high-tech equipment; and trained forecasters to strengthen the weather forecasting agency.
The adverse impact of climate change has made Philippines vulnerable to various environmental predicaments. In times of hazardous threats of unforeseen disasters, the significance of PAG-ASA’s role is, indeed, apparent and valuable – for it is through PAG-ASA where understanding meteorological phenomena, weather forecasting and announcing cautions in disaster-prone areas were being done.
The concept of inadequacy may have been a prolonged concern in PAG-ASA. Nevertheless, on a brighter side, passionate experts never let these afflicting matters affect their commitment to public service.
Beyond doubt, it is an uneven journey for PAG-ASA and for PNoy administration. But, at a standstill, there is hope in the growth of our weather bureau.
Thus, there is hope for PAG-ASA – better never let it go astray. (Lorie Gene Cruz – The Raconteur)
The Raconteur 