The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) will train nine personnel from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) next year for further capacity building as part of its $1-million grant to the weather bureau.
Pagasa director Prisco Nilo said the weather bureau will be sending three weather forecasters, three hydrologists, and three meteorological technicians for a one-month training in KMA.
“Our collaboration with the KMA will start with capacity building but they will not be limiting it to just capacity building, hopefully later on there will be provision or transfer of technology to Pagasa,” Nilo said during the signing of the memorandum of understanding at the Pagasa central office in Quezon City.
The training was part of the two-year project entitled “Establishment of an Early Warning and Monitoring System for Disaster Mitigation in the Philippines,” signed between Pagasa and the Korea International Cooperation Agency in June this year.
The project, expected to be completed by next year, includes the installation of modern monitoring facilities in three project sites, namely Aurora River Basin, Jalaur River Basin in Iloilo, and Lake Lanao-Agus River Basin in Lanao.
He said the MOU will strengthen cooperation on the exchange of scientific knowledge in meteorology, climate, research and human resource development.
It will also promote joint scientific research and studies, including the exchange of scientists and experts.
KMA administrator Man-ki Lee said they have been inviting Pagasa experts since 1998, adding the KMA will invite more Filipino meteorologists to Korea for regular trainings.
With limited resources, the weather bureau is seeking grant assistance from international communities like South Korea and Japan.