The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has taken an important step in improving weather forecasting in the Philippines by providing training to Filipino weather experts. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings, ultimately strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness initiatives.
A group of personnel from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) recently attended a training program in Japan, specifically focused on precipitation guidance and thunderstorm prediction. Through this collaboration with JICA, Pagasa is actively working towards upgrading Philippine weather forecasting using advanced technology and systems.
During their visit to Japan, the Filipino participants had the opportunity to learn from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), a renowned institution in the field of weather forecasting. They were introduced to Japan’s innovative forecasting technologies, which have proven effective in predicting extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The training also covered operational procedures for issuing and disseminating warnings and disaster risk reduction bulletins.
JICA emphasized that this partnership with Pagasa will allow the Philippines to enhance its disaster resilience by leveraging the knowledge and expertise gained from Japan. With the persistent threat of heavy rainfall throughout the year in the Philippines, the insights and lessons learned from Japanese experts are invaluable in developing more accurate forecasts for heavy precipitation and thunderstorms. Additionally, the training will contribute to establishing forecast support systems that improve the operational efficiency of Pagasa’s national and regional forecast offices.
The importance of international collaboration in the face of climate change cannot be overstated. JICA Chief Representative, Sakamoto Takema, highlighted the significance of countries learning from one another’s experiences and adopting best practices to save lives. As climate patterns continue to evolve, it is crucial for nations to share knowledge and expertise to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
The training program between JICA and Pagasa is a testament to the long-standing partnership between the two agencies. JICA has been working closely with Pagasa for decades, and this collaboration represents an eagerness to enhance Pagasa’s technical expertise by incorporating new technology.
The Pagasa Modernization Act of 2015 has been a driving force behind the bureau’s efforts to strengthen its weather operations and forecasting capabilities. By embracing advanced forecasting technologies and systems, Pagasa is well-positioned to provide more accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings to the Filipino population.
In conclusion, the training provided by JICA to Filipino weather experts is a significant step towards enhancing weather forecasting in the Philippines. The insights gained from Japan’s innovative forecasting technologies will enable Pagasa to improve its predictions of extreme weather events, ultimately bolstering the country’s disaster preparedness initiatives. This collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in the face of climate change and serves as a reminder of the value of sharing knowledge and best practices to save lives.
Source: The Manila Times
