Government intensifies text system for LGUs

The national government is now strengthening a text base information alert system connecting all local governments on the latest weather and natural disturbances.

In a nationwide video conference with officials of the Department of Science and Technology yesterday, secretary Estrella Alabastro said the creation of a text base info alert system is part of the modernization implemented to mitigate the impact of a disaster.

Initially the bulk of the modernization is already implemented at the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in the utilization of a more improved weather predicting equipment.

Dr. Prisco Nilo, PAGASA director, said that their office now sends out text messages on the latest weather bulletin and advisories especially to the local governments concerned.

Nilo said the advisory or bulletin is first relayed to the provincial governors passing it on to the municipal and city mayors then down to the barangay level.

He yesterday made a presentation among the attendees of the opening of the National Science and Technology Week at the Philippine Trade Training Center and the participants of the videoconference in the regions, the numerical model of predicting the climate condition.

As shown in the satellite picture, Nilo said there will be no weather disturbances that will enter the country in a couple of days as intertropical convergence zones are still seen far to affect the regions.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Renato Solidum also said they are working on hooking up with the text base info alert system.

Solidum yesterday said that Philvocs is monitoring 24 hours six volcanoes in the country, which are now showing signs of eruption.

These are Mayon, Pinatubo, Taal, Bulusan, Canlaon and Hibok-hibok. - Ferliza C. Contratista