PAGASA, PMMA kickstart dialogue to establish strategic partnership for maritime safety and education
DOST-PAGASA and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) recently held a kickoff dialogue to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening maritime safety and education.
The PMMA delegation led by Superintendent Commodore Joel Y. Abutal participated in the discussion with PAGASA Deputy Administrators Engr. Roy A. Badilla and Ms. Shirley J. David, together with senior management and technical staff from the Weather Division and the Engineering and Technical Services Division, during their courtesy visit at the PAGASA Central Office on 13 February 2026.
Discussions focused on bridging existing gaps in marine meteorological services and maritime education through collaboration in five key areas:
- cooperative marine weather observations
- joint research and development
- maritime education and training
- support to maritime early warnings
- fisheries community outreach
Both agencies expressed their commitment to further develop these initiatives, which will form the basis for a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) and corresponding implementing agreements to ensure sustainability and effective execution.
This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing marine weather readiness, maritime safety, and education in the Philippines.
