Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

nouse pittno._1427

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks to modemize the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA is one of the most important government agency
for a country that is always battered by typhoons and other natural calamities, PAGASA could
not procure its needed equipment because of its small budget and most of its underpaid veteran
meteorologist are already going abroad to take advantage of high salaries for their profession,

This measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 15" Congress. Passage

of this Bill is eamestly sought now in the 16" Congress.

HARLIN CAST. ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northem Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__1427

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast, Abayon

ANACT
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 ofthe Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION I, Title - This Act shall be known as the "PAGASA Modernization of 2013."

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 safely 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 warming
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;

©. Upgrade, modemize 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 Modemization - 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) 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 waming system and ago-meteorological observational system to strengthen services for
agriculture;

¢, 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 idemtfied 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 modem 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 modemization program provided under this Act. The Committee shall be chaired by the
Secretary of the Depariment of Science and Technology (DOST),

SEC. 6, PAGASA Modemization Fund - There is hereby created the PAGASA Modemization
Fund which shall be used exclusively to fund the modemization program which shall include
whatever funds may be made available from, but not limited to, the following sources

a. Aportion of the net income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
to be taken from the fify 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

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 eam 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 modemization 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,