BETTER EQUIPPED: DOST-PAGASA Workshop on Standardized Field Survey Protocols
Scientists, researchers, and experts participated in a workshop on establishing standardized methods and protocols for PAGASA field survey activities, held on September 8 -12 at the PAGASA Planetarium in Quezon City.
The five-day workshop was organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program.
The event aimed to review current field survey practices, identify gaps, exchange best practices, strengthen capacity in survey tools, and draft a standardized field survey protocol for severe winds, storm surges, and other TC-related hazards. Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Deputy Administrator for R&D, welcomed participants and resource speakers to the workshop, emphasizing its importance in fulfilling the agency’s mandate to provide accurate and reliable data and assessments to improve disaster preparedness in the country.
In-house experts on tropical cyclone hazards led knowledge and experience sharing sessions on current field survey SOPs for severe wind, storm surge, flooding, and other TC -related hazards. Engr. Joshua C. Agar and Mr. Justin Joseph P. Valdez of the UP Diliman Institute of Civil Engineering (UP ICE) gave a presentation on their field survey for severe wind and storm surge impacts on structural buildings. In addition, Mr. Daniel Jose L. Buhay, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-PHIVOLCS, gave a lecture on the application of remotely-piloted aircraft. Breakout sessions were also conducted to provide the participants with hands-on experience on the new practices and tools on field surveying.
The workshop emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration, capacity-building, and institutionalizing these protocols, which will enhance the quality of weather information for early warning. Moreover, recommendations from the team include enhanced operational capacity through equipment acquisition, improved welfare measures, recruitment and promotion of the Storm Chasers Team, and stronger coordination, visibility, and simulation exercises to ensure effective and sustainable field survey operations. With this capacity-building activity, DOST-PAGASA continues its mission on disaster preparedness and resilience through improved data collection, improved survey guidelines, and standardized procedures.
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