The Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading the PAGASA Modernization bill. Senator JV Ejercito, one of the principal authors of the measure, said that this is a laudable legislation since it will empower the agency to acquire state-of-the-art weather and geophysical equipment and facilities.

“The capacity of PAGASA to rapidly deliver accurate weather information is critical in determining our ability to properly prepare for and handle natural disasters. Such capacity is sought to be enhanced through the establishment of a modernization program for PAGASA,” Ejercito said.

Senator JV also cited that aside from upgrade of weather equipment, the bill if enacted will also focus on research and development and human resource investment. He said that with the crucial role of the agency, the needed upgrade to be at par with international standard is long overdue. Ejercito urged the House and the Senate to immediately reconcile their version so that the enactment of the bill will come faster.

“The country is facing stronger typhoons and is very susceptible to disasters. What better way to manage and reduce the risk we could be facing is to equip PAGASA so that they can function efficiently,” Ejercito said.###