THE state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is pushing for the removal of barriers that hamper the access and utilization of weather and climate information to benefit more Filipinos.
In a news statement, PIDS noted there is still a lack of access to online channels, including social media and mobile applications, where Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) data are available.
PIDS said with this, farmers in Benguet face difficulties in accessing weather and climate information provided by Pagasa through its website and other internet-based climate information.
“Issues such as the farmers’ lack of working capital, other resources, and know-how, and the absence of tailored weather and climate forecast were also reported,” PIDS said in the same statement.
Thelma Cinco, assistant weather services chief of Pagasa’s Impact Assessment and Applications Section, noted the agency’s appreciation of the studies conducted by PIDS.
Cinco said Pagasa plans to enhance its radio-based information dissemination to improve the accessibility of its products and services. Data showed that radio is the major source of weather information among households in the province.
Another is to conduct regular information education campaigns and training for agricultural extension workers and farmers under the KlimAgricultura, organized in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture.
The state weather bureau also plans to establish climate field schools and develop systematic and consistent dissemination of warning protocols.
“They (PIDS) provide significant opportunities for Pagasa to realize the areas that need improvement, especially in information dissemination to stakeholders,” Cinco said.
“[It is] necessary to conduct consistent assessment and reassessment of the impact of the improved dissemination to farming communities,” she added.
In terms of utilization, Cinco said Pagasa will provide climate projections and hazard assessments that will help local government units formulate their local climate change action plans and comprehensive land use plans.
It will also develop plans for climate threats and establish a communication mechanism between farmers and extension workers.
She also noted the importance of institutional linkages with civil society groups and international organizations to reach farmers.
Cinco added that the agency is moving toward impact-based forecasting, which focuses “not on what the weather will be, but what the weather will do.”
PIDS prods Pagasa on removing barriers to climate info access
