Pagasa forecasts weaker typhoons this year

Filipinos could expect weaker typhoons this year, compared to last year based on data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

"Last year’s typhoon season was very active," Pagasa officer-in-charge Prisco Nilo said.

"Last year, the typhoon season was very active, usually the following year would not be as active, it alternates based on our data."

However, Nilo said Filipinos could still expect about 19 to 20 typhoons to hit the country this year but not as intensified as those in 2006.

The typhoon season is from July to October – an average of three to four typhoons enter the Philippines each month, he added.

Nilo said Pagasa would continue to provide accurate information and early warnings to the public while it upgrades its equipment.

Pagasa would soon acquire its first multi-functional transport satellite (MTSAT) ground receiving facility that would allow the country to get weather data every 30 minutes, he added.

Nilo said the MTSAT is better than the Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS), which gives weather forecast once in an hour.

The weather bureau would also spend much of its budget this year for capacity building, he added.

Pagasa is requesting a budget of P341 million this year from the P3.3 billion budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Nilo said.

The Pagasa, an attached agency of the DOST, received P318 million last year.

Last year, 20 typhoons hit the country –three of which were super typhoons –leaving a trail of destruction and casualties in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila. — Helen Flores