THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) launched its new services during its 150th anniversary this week. Among the new services presented to the media were: the Storm Surge Warning Signals (SSWS), Modified Tropical Cyclone Warning System (MTCWS), new Pagasa web site, Simplification of Weather/Climate Information Materials and the meteorological glossary “Patnubay sa Weder Forkast.”
The SSWS is the newest service of Pagasa, a shift from general weather forecast to be able to provide impact-based storm-surge forcasting and warning. It is similar with the current color-coded Rainfall Warning System of the agency and is classified according to the level of severity and required action to minimize risks.
Ma. Cecelia Monteverde, assistant weather service chief at the Research and Development and Training Division, said there is a need for impact-based storm-surge warning because warnings issued are based solely on weather criteria; convey what the impact of storm-surge hazard could do to an individual or community at risk; and the need for staged warning (e.g., green, yellow, orange, red alert levels) to emphasize the severity of the impacts.
The color-coded alert means:
• Green: No action required; evacuation not necessary.
• Yellow: Storm surge is possible; get ready; stay away from the coast or beach.
• Orange: Storm surge is expected; be prepared; conditions could be life threatening; evacuate to safer areas.
• Red: Significant threat to life; take action; catastrophic; mandatory evacuation is enforced.
Incorporating the risk analysis of Dr. Leoncio Amadore, former director of Pagasa, the modified Public Storm Warning System will focus on super typhoon category and will emphasize on an impact-based warning system. Pagasa also launched its new web site in compliance with Administrative Order 39, mandating all government agencies to migrate to the government Web hosting service of the DOST-Information and Communications Technology Office.
Meanwhile, the “Be Secure Project” is the newest addition to the agency’s efforts in simplifying technical terms to ensure that climate information is understood.
Under the project, the United States Agency for International Development is closely working with Pagasa to help improve its response to the people’s needs through the following:
• Facilitating the twinning between Pagasa and the US National Center for Atmospheric Research to help enhance Pagasa’s regional weather forecasts to the needs of water-service providers and other local government units; and
• Simplification and branding of Pagasa’s weather/climate forecasts and information materials to fit specific sector needs.
The Patnubay sa Weder Forkast, a glossary of meteorological terms in Filipino will be presented for the first time. The said glossary was created by Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, in consultation with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Pagasa. Science Secretary Mario G. Montejo commended Pagasa for its commitment to move forward amid numerous challenges in history.
He said in his opening speech in the 150th anniversary celebration that Pagasa can be expected to be “one-step ahead in the ever changing times.” Montejo added that the DOST and Pagasa are moving toward technological self-reliance by improving their capacity in developing their own technology and human resources.
He revealed the DOST was able to develop its own weather sensors and technologies in the recent years.