PAGASA proposes Doppler radars in Bohol and Palawan

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is looking forward to putting up a Doppler radar in the province of Bohol, which will serve as a back-up forecasting weather system for the Visayas and Mindanao.

Jhemar Eclarino, Weather Specialist 1, said at least two Doppler radars will be placed, one in Bohol and another one in Busuanga, Palawan, to improve their weather and typhoon detection.

“Kung matuloy ang proposal sa Bohol, by 2017, that is mga back-up natin sa Visayas at Mindanao,” Eclarino told reporters yesterday.

Eclarino said if PAGASA-Mactan’s forecasting system will go down, the weather facility in Bohol will immediately detect the typhoons that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“If the PAGASA Doppler Radar in Mindanao will go down, the Doppler radar in Bohol will serve as a back-up weather monitoring system,” Eclarino added.

As of now, Eclarino said PAGASA has an operational facility in Iloilo and in Quezon (Palawan), aside from the Mactan-based weather agency.

“As of now they are operational but do not have wi-fi connection yet. In Guiuan, Eastern Samar, there is an ongoing installation of Doppler radars and is expected to finish by the end of the year,” Eclarino said.

Before the year ends, Eclarino said two to three typhoons are expected to enter PAR. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud/ATO (FREEMAN)