DOST-PAGASA inaugurates its eighteenth Doppler Radar Facility in the country, situated in Calasangan Hill in the municipality of Cataingan in the province of Masbate. The facility is expected to boost the agency’s monitoring and forecasting capabilities of extreme weather events. Held in the afternoon of 17 August 2022, the inaugural ceremonies were attended by key officials from the Department of Science Technology or DOST, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Local officials in the province as well as representatives from the various stakeholders. Among the notable personalities in the occasion include the Honorable Congressman Wilton T. Kho of the Third District of Masbate, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST-PAGASA Administrator, Dr. Vicente B. Malano, and Deputy Administrator, Dr. Landrico U. Dalida Jr. as well as Masbate Public Info Officer Mr. Nonielon C. Bagalihog Jr., representing the office of Governor Antonio Kho of the province of
Masbate. Also gracing the event is DOST Regional Office V Director Rommel R. Serrano, former Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer and the incumbent Mayor Fernando Talisic of the town of Esperanza, Masbate, and Mr. Pedrito Malunhao of Japan Radio Co. Ltd.

The inauguration formally started with the ceremonial singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the agency hymns of DOST and PAGASA. This is followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremonies and the blessing of the radar building and premises which was led by Rev. Fr. Arnel C. Bruza of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church of the Diocese of Masbate. After which, the key officials respectively gave their welcoming remarks and key messages during the program’s main event.

In his welcome message, Dr. Landrico Dalida Jr. highlighted the capabilities of the new radar facility, giving emphasis on the state-of-the-art solid-state technology with compact design and high energy efficiency during its operation. The next one giving a message is Hon. Cong. Wilton Kho, Masbate’s 3rd district representative and he congratulated DOST-PAGASA for the success of the project. He also expressed his utmost gratitude and recognized the importance of the role of the agency in keeping his constituents safe especially during the passage of tropical cyclones.After this, Dr. Vicente Malano, PAGASA Administrator also gave a message and he likewise gave gratitude and appreciation to the generosity and commitment of the Honorable Governor Antonio Kho for his support to the agency towards having an ideal spot for the construction of the radar facility. Also giving a message is DOST V Regional Director Rommel Serrano who also extended their warm greetings and congratulation to DOST-PAGASA and the DOST led by the newly-appointed Secretary. Giving the final message is DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., and he underscored the importance of this new facility. According to him, Doppler radars are typically used in weather observation and nowcasting, but can also be used in other areas of application. In particular, the Masbate radar can be utilized in monitoring geologic hazards such as in volcanic plumes during eruptions of Mt. Mayon and Bulusan volcano in the Bicol region which are also situated in nearby provinces of Albay and Sorsogon respectively. Sec. Solidum adds that areas of agriculture and water management can also benefit from this radar technology, in support of the new administrations goal towards food security and disaster resilience through science, technology and innovation.

Public Information Unit DOST-PAGASA

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