Noy: No exodus from Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday sought to clarify reports on the exodus of weather forecasters, saying only five have left for greener pastures abroad.

“I appeal to you not to threaten the public with such reports because only five have left since 2000,” he said in a chance interview at the Department of Public Works and Highways main office yesterday.

The President said only three left under his watch, including former administrator Prisco Nilo, whom he relieved in July 2010 following an erroneous forecast of Typhoon Basyang.

Aquino said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which is under the supervision of the Department of Science and Technology, also hired 37 new meteorologists when he assumed office in 2010.

“This is the biggest number of hires that ever happened with PAGASA,” he said.

Earlier reports said at least 22 weather forecasters quit their jobs from 2005 to 2011 for better paying jobs abroad.

On Wednesday, PAGASA announced the resignation of its chief, Nathaniel Servando, reportedly to teach in Qatar.

The President said a college program on meteorology or atmospheric physics is also now being offered in a few schools. He said an initial 10 students have enrolled in the course.

He said PAGASA would train the graduates of these courses and grant them scholarships to encourage them to serve in the weather bureau.

“We really have to have all the necessary people with the necessary skills,” Aquino said.

Pass Pagasa modernization bill

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said a bill modernizing  PAGASA would be given priority in the 16th Congress.

President Aquino certified the measure as urgent before the closing of the 15th Congress earlier this month but lawmakers adjourned without approving the bill due to lack of quorum in the Senate.

“Measures that were supposed to be ratified or approved... would be given priority like the PAGASA bill,” Gonzales said, citing the latest parliamentary rules.

Ramon Agustin, president of the Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA), said the bill would significantly improve weather forecasting services in the country. 

Agustin also called on the members of the next Congress to allocate funds to increase the benefits of science workers, including weather personnel as provided under the Republic Act 8439 or the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Workers. – With Paolo Romero, Helen Flores