P-Noy signs Pagasa modernization law

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has signed a law upgrading the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s operations and services.

Aquino signed Republic Act No. 10692 or the PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015 last Nov. 3.

Under the law, the weather agency will get funding amounting to P3 billion from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. in the next two years for capital outlay.

The law also provides a package of “personnel retention schemes” to discourage PAGASA forecasters from going abroad for higher pay.

It also authorizes salary and other compensation adjustments and funding for training and scholarships.

Another key component of the law is the deployment of weather equipment and personnel in as many areas in the country as possible.

The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) yesterday welcomed the signing of the PAGASA Modernization Law.

However, PWEA president Ramon Agustin lamented that a majority of employees of the weather agency are unlikely to be included in the wage increase.

“We will lobby for the inclusion of all employees in the IRR (implementing rules and regulations),” Agustin told The STAR.

Earlier, Agustin cited the low salaries and delay in the payment of benefits as among the reasons forecasters leave the agency.

The Senate passed the measure on third and final reading last Aug. 17. The House of Representatives version was approved on May 26, 2014.