Aquino: World now admires Philippines in weather forecasting

MANILA, Philippines - Believe it or not, the whole world is now recognizing the Philippines' achievements in weather forecasting, President Benigno Aquino III claimed on Wednesday.

In his speech at The Outstanding Filipino 2013 awarding ceremonies, Aquino said the world is no longer looking down on the country's weather forecasting system with local innovations like the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) of the Department of Science and Technology.

"Hindi na nga po kagulat-gulat na kinikilala na tayo sa buong mundo bilang ehemplo ng weather forecasting," Aquino said. "Sa unang pagkakataon nga po sa loob ng mahabang panahon, hinahangaan ang isang teknolohiyang inisip, plinano, at ipinatupad ng Pilipino, dito sa Pilipinas, para sa kapwa Pilipino."

Aquino said the contributions of Project NOAH to the country's disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts are "revolutionary."

"Ang mga bagay na winiwido-wido at dinadaan sa tantsahan dati, nauunawaan na natin nang ayon sa totoo at mas mapagkakatiwalaang datos ngayon," the President said.

Project NOAH executive director, Dr. Mahar Lagmay, was among the Outstanding Pinoy awardees feted by Aquino during the ceremonies.

Last year, the Philippines' efforts in weather forecasting, disaster response and mitigation were challenged after the country faced deadly disasters.

Super Typhoon "Yolanda" shocked the entire world with its record winds and tsunami-like storm surges that devastated Eastern Visayas, leaving over 6,000 dead and more than a thousand more missing.

Like in 2012, the country was also yet again battered last year by a typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon, which brought heavy rains and flooding in Luzon.

Several areas in Luzon were also affected by Typhoon "Santi."

A total of 26 tropical cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility in 2013, surpassing the average number of storms that hit the country every year.

But amid these disasters, the country's state weather bureau is also flooded with its own issues, particularly those related to equipment, manpower and modernization.

In June last year, both the Senate and House of Representatives failed to pass the bill modernizing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical And Astronomical Services Administration.

President Aquino certified the proposed law as urgent, according to Malacañang.

The agency's budget was also reportedly slashed by over P200 million amid the supposed exodus of weather forecasters for better paying jobs abroad.