Republic Act No. 10692 known as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Modernization Act of 2015 which aims to revitalize the country’s weather bureau was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III. This will effectively provide funds for the enhancement PAGASA’s capability in providing services to protect the people and the environment and to ensure economic security against natural hazards.
“More lives would be saved because of RA 10692. PAGASA has done a lot for the country with limited funding and they could do much better as the government empowers them with better technology,” said Senator Loren Legarda.
“I am confident that with better weather forecasting and monitoring, we will be more prepared in dealing with natural hazards, thereby preventing loss of lives and properties,” the lady senator added.
Senator JV Ejercito also commended the signing of the said law. “We celebrate the approval of the modernization in PAGASA. This gives hope to the future of the agency whose role is crucial in rapidly delivering accurate weather information to the public,” he said.
“The agency’s capacity is critical in determining our ability to properly prepare for and handle natural disasters. Such capacity is sought to be enhanced through the establishment of a modernization program for PAGASA, which the law will fulfill,” Ejercito said.