JICA sends PAGASA experts to Japan for training on improving weather forecasting in the Philippines

A group of personnel from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) attended a training in precipitation guidance and thunderstorm prediction to improve the quality of weather forecasting in the Philippines and learn from Japan’s innovative forecasting technologies to predict extreme weather events.

The training is part of an ongoing cooperation of PAGASA with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Project for Capability Enhancement for High Quality Weather Observation, Forecast, Warning and Observation in the Philippines.

"Considering the persistent threat of heavy rainfall all year round in the Philippines, the lessons learned from Japanese experts gave us crucial insights that will be useful in developing probability of heavy precipitation and thunderstorm forecasts, as well as in establishing forecast support systems to improve the operational efficiency of PAGASA national and regional forecast offices,” said PAGASA Weather Specialist II and trainee, Robb Gile.

The cooperation aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings in the Philippines, which will enhance the country’s disaster preparedness initiatives. PAGASA is currently beefing up its weather operations and forecasting according to PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015. The agency has teamed up with JICA to upgrade Philippine weather forecasting using advanced technology and systems.

Filipino participants visited Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) during the training. They learned JMA’s technologies to predict heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, and operational procedures to issue and disseminate warnings and disaster risk reduction bulletins.

JICA said that the partnership with PAGASA will allow the Philippines boost its disaster resilience using knowledge from Japan.

“We have been working with PAGASA for decades and we are eager to collaborate to enhance their technical expertise using new technology. With climate change upon us, it’s important for countries to learn from one another’s experiences and adopt best practices to save more lives,” said JICA Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema.