Pagasa taps 2 universities for manpower woes

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) yesterday tapped the expertise of two of the country’s largest universities to come up with a program that would help the state weather bureau address its manpower shortage.

Pagasa director Martin Rellin said linkages with the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University would help in addressing the exodus of weather forecasters who are seeking greener pastures abroad.

Last month, Pagasa revealed that two of its personnel were recruited by a Singapore-based company to work as weather specialists in Dubai, offering them higher salaries.

In a press conference at the Pagasa main office in Quezon City, Rellin admitted Pagasa cannot augment the salaries of its weather forecasters to be able to compete with international weather agencies, as increasing wages requires legislation.

"I know that increasing the salary requires legislation so there is not much that we can do about that, but other benefits I have discussed with them and how to increase the benefits," he said. – Helen Flores