JUST LAUNCHED: South-South Center of Excellence for Climate Information and Services
On August 8, 2025, DOST-PAGASA inaugurated the South-South Center of Excellence (SSCE) — a milestone initiative to enhance climate information and services (CIS) in the Philippines and across the region. The Center was established through the South-South Collaboration on Climate Information and Services (SSCIS) Project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and supported by the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (IKI-BMUV).
The SSCE will serve as a knowledge-management and learning platform for the Philippines and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, advancing the availability, accuracy, and accessibility of climate data.
The launch at PAGASA’s Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CAD) was led by Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, joined by Climate Change Commission Assistant Secretary Atty. Romell Antonio Cuenca, GIZ SSCIS Project Principal Advisor Dr. Nicole Kranz, and German Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Mathias Kruse. CAD Chief and SSCIS Project Leader Ms. Thelma A. Cinco spearheaded the event.
PAGASA officials in attendance included Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II (Deputy Administrator for Research and Development), Engr. Roy A. Abadilla (Deputy Administrator for Operations & Services), Ms. Shirley J. David (Deputy Administrator for Administration & Engineering Services), Engr. Juanito S. Galang (Weather Services Chief, Weather Division), and Engr. Maximo F. Peralta (Weather Services Chief, Engineering and Technical Services Division), Mr. Michael S. Bala (OIC, Research & Development and Training Division) and Engr. Sheila S. Schneider (AWSC, Hydro-Meteorology Division).
The Project’s key partners span government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations, including DOH, AIS, UPLB-INREM, UP-NIH, DENR-CCS, NFRDI, DA-CRAO, ISU, MMSU, DILG, IRRI, and the EU Delegation to the Philippines.
The launch also featured presentations of new tools and knowledge products designed to strengthen climate services in agriculture, fisheries, and health. With the SSCE, PAGASA reaffirms its commitment to climate resilience through science, innovation, and collaboration — both locally and globally.
