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Roundtable Discussion, National Consultation on Country Assessment Report for the Philippines
“Strengthening of Hydrometeorological Services in Southeast Asia”, PAGASA, World Bank and UNISDR
AIM Conference Center, Makati City, 30 April 2012
Discussion Notes
Comments and suggestions were offered by some participants at the meeting. PAGASA responded to
these whenever a response was warranted. The following is a record of the discussion.
1. H. Nakamura (JICA): (1) Metro Manila has been affected by several typhoons and floods since
2009 and since then a flood forecasting and warning system has been evolving. There is no
mention in the report about the situation concerning such an important urbanized area in the
country. To accurate do a flood forecast for the Pasig- Marikina River System is difficult because
of the lack a hydrological observation network. The management of Effective Flood Control
Operation System (EFCOS) developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
has been transferred to MMDA and requires adequate technical support and budget. (2) It is
important to bear in mind that it is not sufficient to presume that the simply installing a certain
number is enough. Three (3) radars were provided by Japan; these are different from current
radars. The issues of quality of data and maintenance by PAGASA/MHD (as part of O& M) are
very important. (3) Major river basins in the country have been identified. However, a system
of prioritization is needed due to budget limitations. Selection criteria needs to be clarified.
J. Velasquez then commented about the multiple water-related agencies that also raises the
issues as to who will prioritize. He however interpreted that decision making needs to take
place in the context of all relevant national plans in place.
2. V. Malano (PAGASA): (1) DOST’s program called National Operational Assessment of Hazards
(NOAH) to integrated disaster-related projects is being done in collaboration with the academe
(such as the National Institute for Geological Science (NIGS) and College of Engineering at the
University of the Philippines. This covers river basins such as the Cagayan, Iligan, Agno, and
Bicol river basins. It covers the installation of measuring devices at observation stations. (2)
There number of upper air stations have increased from 4 to 6. (3) PAGASA is recruiting
qualified young people to decrease the average age of the PAGASA workforce.
3. J. Mendoza (Senate Congressional Oversight Committee): The questions were made in the
context of past issues arising from forecasts during major typhoons/floods. (1) On river basins in
the country: Is there a new policy on dam protocols? (2) Philippine media picks forecasts by the
US Navy and/or JPWC, as in the case of Typhoon Sendong. Is there a concern here about
accuracy of forecasts?
4. S. Espinueva (PAGASA): In response to the above (No. 3): Flood forecasting for dam operation
protocols have been revised. There are collaborative real-time measurements made among
National Power Corporation (NPC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and PAGASA, and
PAGASA and OCD in the catchment of some major river basins. Work has been done in two
phases wiith JICA support . Three protocols dating as far back as 1984 have been updated.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
These are (1) flood operation rule, (2) normal and flood operation rules of dams, (3) rules (?)
under extreme weather. NWRC reviews and approves protocols. In the protocol, the warning
is issued to the local government unit (LGU) chief executive four (4) hours before opening
spillway,.
J. Velasquez (UNISDR AP): River basins illustrate the challenge of coordinating agencies with
competing priorities.
_______ (PAGASA): It is useful to ask where in PAGASA is people-centered EWS? Peoplecentered EWS presumes and designs based on the needs of users.
T. Peralta (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources- Environmental Management
Bureau, (DENR-EMB)): In reference to the environmental services of PAGASA (Section 5.6 on p.
59 of the Consultation Draft), PAGASA products are useful in air quality dispersion modeling). In
practice, consultants have used Metro Manila or WMO data. It is suggested that WRF be
included in environmental impact assessments where air pollution transport modeling uses
different scenarios. The department needs data also about weather forecasting.
_______ (CAAP): Under Section 3.5.3 on Aviation, two needs are mentioned : (1) terminal
forecast at least three (3) hours before landing; (2) calibration of weather instruments installed
in 85 airports in the country.
S. Espinueva (PAGASA): It was recalled that a memorandum of agreement between PAGASA
and CAAP (signed by the previous administrator) to deal with this concern exists
_______ (CAAP): The MOA specifies that equipment be submitted to PAGASA with a letter of
request, at least two weeks before the calibration. New equipment.
V. Malano (PAGASA): It is essential that CAAP coordinates with PAGASA.
I. Camaya (NIA): (1) It was suggested that in Table 2.2, the potential direct impacts to
agriculture be recast as it is too specific for irrigation alone. (2) NIA buys data from project
studies of NIA’s Hydrology Department. Is there a possibility to make these data available for
free?
R. De Guzman (PAGASA): It was clarified that real-time data was shared for free however,
historical data was not in order to recover expenses. This is part of PAGASA’s data policy
stipulated in an executive order. This ensures quality control. If work NIA and PAGASA worked
as partners, data cost could be be minimized. This would involved simply not just providing
data, but would involved research collaboration using the expertise of both institutions.
M. Valdeabella (National Grip Corporation of the Philippines): How far is the Philippines in
Nowcasting? The NGCP has an initiative concerning lightning strikes, flashfloods and related
hazards and a MOA with PAGASA exists. Further study is needed in terms of impacts on
electrical transmission.
V. Malano (PAGASA): Running or testing a model <WRF> for 72-hour weather using (ingested)
data from radar system is necessary. There are still problem related to communication.
Upgrading of conventional radars and completing all 14 radars will enable forecasting.
K. Shida (WMO): (1) Level 1 gives a “bad impression” to PAGASA. Relatively speaking, the
requirement, say for lightning detection is probably not as significant as other hazards.
(Indonesia is a country that operates lightning detection.) (2) A demarcation of the extent of
environmental services of PAGASA must be made; 2) Software/HRD development is needed for
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nowcasting. Data processing system may need investment; technical people need to be trained
and software development needs huge investment. (3) Data rescue is important. Climate
service through provision of historical data require human resources; camera, scanning, quality
management (check), dedicated staff all are necessary. In some countries, data are still in paper
not digital form. (4) Sustainability of system after assistance is important. The system needs
spare parts, and certain consumables for a certain period (O&M- government investment);
commitment by PAGASA for human resources and training is important. O&M costs must be
included especially for AWS and radars, which are very expensive; (5) Calibration of equipment
including AWS instruments, calibration laboratory, mobile equipment and system are the
students . (6) A secure telecommunication network between headquarters and local station,
and between PAGASA and users (local users especially) is basic. (7) Service delivery includes
good interaction with users (TV, radio, media, Internet service providers). Some users require
special treatment in terms of how they can get information; this requires supplying products of
high professional quality. Data/information released by NHMS often need proper “translation”
for the audience; these can be embedded within public education.
Prepared by: Antonio L. Fernandez
E: alfernandez75@hotmail.com