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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
Senate Bill 'No.7 3 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The occurrence of natural calamities in the country is something to be 
expected. Just last year and even this year, we have been affronted with 
numerous typhoons and floods that triggered millions of pesos of property 
damage and even claimed several lives. It is ironic however, that PAGASA, 
which is supposed to be the harbinger of weather information, cannot fully serve 
the purpose of its existence. There were times where PAGASA disseminated 
erroneous forecast or the forecast came in belatedly, these inadvertent errors are 
not attributable to the people composing the said Agency, but rather to the 
antiquated apparatus or equipment they use. 
In some countries, they spend millions of dollars for the modemization of 
weather forecasting, the rationale is to forestall or at least minimize that damage 
that a calamity will surely bring forth. With correct and reliable weather 
forecasting, the damage is lessened because before the calamity strikes, 
preparation has already been established for said purposes. 
We have more reasons to modernize our weather forecasting because our 
country is considered a typhoon-belt not to mention that we are in an agricultural 
country. It is highly imperative that we should also contemplate the welfare of the 
farmers by giving them accurate weather information for their own protection. 
Hence, considering the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought in order to eradicate or at least minimize the consequential 
damage of the natural calamities in the country. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 7 3 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
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PROVIDING 
FOR 
THE 
MODERNIZATION 
OF 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
ATMOSPHERIC 
GEOPHYSICAL 
AND 
ASTRONOMICAL 
SERVICES 
ADMINISTRATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the "PAGASA 
Modernization of 201 0." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to improve weather forecasting in the country and to ensure its accuracy 
and timely dissemination to the public. Towards this end, the State shall 
undertake the modernization of the national weather service to ensure the safety 
and well-being of the people and to ensure national progress. 
In the implementation of the foregoing policy, the State shall, in 
accordance with the provision of this Act: 
a. Undertake measures to improve on the current state of weather 
forecasting and warning system in the country; 
b. Cultivate greater awareness by the public of weather systems through 
the educational projects and programs in storm signals, the 
development of typhoons, climatic changes, and other related 
information; 
c. 
Upgrade, modernize and procure state-of-the-art weather and 
geophysical equipment, instruments and facilities, and the application 
of new technologies to improve our capabilities in providing timely and 
reliable forecasting, warning services, and information for agriculture, 
transportation and other industries across the country. 
SEC. 3. Components of Modernization - To realize improved and 
enhanced weather and flood forecasting, climate monitoring/prediction and 
astronomical and associated services, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical 
and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) shall undertake a six (6) 
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year modernization program. Towards this end, the PAGASA shall adopt the 
following four pronged principal approach, in the order of priority: 
a. Establishment of regional weather service centers strategic areas in the 
country to broaden the agency's bases for delivery of service to the 
countryside; 
b. Modernization of physical resources and operational techniques 
through acquisition of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment and 
facilities, with emphasis on weather and flood monitoring and warning 
system and ago-meteorological observational system to strengthen 
services for agriculture; 
c. Intensification of human resources development to keep at pace with 
the rapid scientific and technological advances; 
d. Upgrading of research and development capability through a more 
rationalized and totally integrated approach and identified activities, 
with focus on improvement of operations, as well as the development 
of specialized services for cost recovery. 
SEC. 4. Program Description - The modernization program under this 
Act shall principally be a re-tooling of the PAGASA with modern equipment and 
facilities, including but not limited to advanced observational and surveillance 
system for meteorological and hydrological elements, whenever possible 
satellite-based communication network, supercomputers for data processing 
analysis and forecasting, and computer based workstations for generating 
increased volume for detailed information. It shall also establish an efficient 
human resources development program that emphasizes on professional 
education, training and research. 
SEC. 5. PAGASA Modernization Oversight Committee -
There is 
hereby created a Modernization OverSight Committee composed of the Secretary 
of Science and Technology, the Director of the PAGASA, the Chairperson of the 
Congressional Committee on Science and Technology, and a representative 
from the Office of the President, through the Project Monitoring Staff of the 
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), who shall oversee the 
implementation of the modernization program provided under this Act. The 
Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST). 
SEC. 6. PAGASA Modernization Fund - There is hereby created the 
PAGASA Modernization Fund which shall be used exclusively to fund the 
modernization program which shall include whatever funds may be made 
available from, but not limited to, the following sources: 
a. A portion of the net income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming 
Corporation (PAGCOR) to be taken from the fifty percent (50%) share 
of the National Government. 
b. Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign 
sources. The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the National 
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and subsequently the 
Department of Finance is hereby granted the authority to enter into 
loan agreements with foreign financial institutions. 
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SEC. 7. Cost Recovery Measures - The PAGASA, with the approval of 
the DOST Secretary, shall implement a sustainable cost recovery program that 
will allow it to earn revenue from its issuance of specialized weather information, 
certifications, and scientific and technical publications for which the necessary 
fees can be charged; Provided that one hundred percent (100%) of the fees 
collected shall be retained by PAGASA for the next twenty (20) years starting six 
(6) years after the effectivity of this Act, for the operation and maintenance of the 
equipment acquired during the modernization program; Provided, however, that 
no fees shall be charged on the issuance of regular and special reports to the 
general public that affect national safety, weather, and economy, and such other 
relevant data; 
SEC. 8. Progress Report - The Secretary of the DOST and the Director 
of the PAGASA shall submit to the Office of the President and the Congressional 
Committees on Science and Technology a quarterly report on the progress of the 
modernization program for the duration of its implementation. 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations, or part thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved, 
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