The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) unveiled new radar facility and marked the beginning of a new PAGASA synoptic station in Iloilo for reinforced weather monitoring in Western Visayas and nearby provinces.
The Iloilo S-band Radar facility has an advanced dual-polarimetric Doppler radar system, which provides high-resolution and near real-time data essential for tracking heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and tropical cyclones.
This S-band type radar can effectively detect atmospheric conditions even during intense rainfall, making it reliable for large-scale weather observations in the province.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. expressed his confidence in the technological capabilities of the Iloilo Radar Facility, which could be a safeguard against meteorological hazards.
However, Solidum emphasized that infrastructure alone does not save lives.
“It is the combination of technology, skilled scientists, proactive leaders, and a well-informed public that truly builds resilience. This is why we in the Department of Science and Technology continue to invest in modernizing PAGASA’s equipment, enhancing forecasting capabilities, and bringing science closer to communities,” he added.
Groundbreaking weather observation project in Visayas
Along with this, the new PAGASA Synoptic Station will be located in the Iloilo International Airport, which will soon operate as a vital weather observation facility in the province.
Once the station is completed, it will be a vital infrastructure for recording daily weather forecasting while strengthening long-term climate records crucial for research, disaster preparedness planning, and climate adaptation strategies.
In line with this, the station will also be important to aviatic operations.
PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando said that the station promises to deliver continuous and reliable observations of key atmospheric parameters, including temperature, rainfall, wind, and air pressure.
“These may appear to be simple measurements, but they form the very foundation of every forecast we issue. Without accurate observations, there can be no reliable forecasts, and without reliable forecasts, effective preparedness becomes a challenge,” Dr. Servando stated.
DOST-PAGASA facilitates meteorological activities in the country such as critical weather forecasts, flood warnings, typhoon updates and astronomical data to ensure public safety in the country. (By Regine Andres, INQUIRER.net Intern)