The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been unable to maintain its critical rain and flood forecasting system since 2022 due to severe funding cuts. Audit reports reveal that the neglected network of over 2,000 hydrometeorological stations is jeopardizing the country's ability to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAGASA ) has been grappling with the maintenance of its P359.86 million rain and flood forecasting system since 2022. The Commission on Audit's 2023 report revealed that funding cuts implemented during the Duterte administration have crippled PAGASA 's ability to operate and maintain its network of over 2,000 hydrometeorological stations.
These stations, including automatic weather stations, rain gauges, water level monitoring stations, and warning posts, were established between 2010 and 2017. An optimization project launched in 2018 aimed to upgrade these stations to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards, with a budget of P89.75 million. One key accomplishment of this project was the establishment of the Community Based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS). However, audits revealed that despite the project's initial success, the lack of ongoing funding has resulted in the deterioration of many stations. Auditors found that although some equipment remained intact, they required repair and continuous maintenance. The report highlights that repair and maintenance efforts were discontinued due to a lack of funding from the Department of Science and Technology. Two technical personnel per region were initially responsible for these tasks, but this support was unsustainable without dedicated funding. The consequences of this neglect are stark: a total of 246 hydromet stations have deteriorated beyond repair, while 96 others are deemed inaccessible due to security concerns. Maintenance tasks, such as mobile data subscriptions for transmitting sensor data, battery replacements, rewiring, and vegetation trimming, are essential for the system's functionality. PAGASA, facing budget constraints, has been unable to cover these additional expenses. Despite attempts to secure funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2019 to 2022, these requests were denied. Early warning systems are crucial for mitigating the impact of climate-related hazards and disasters. They provide vital information to local governments and communities, enabling them to prepare for and respond effectively to threats. The lack of functioning systems in the Philippines puts lives, property, and livelihoods at risk.
PAGASA Flooding Weather Forecasting Funding Cuts Climate Change Early Warning System
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