Section 7Sec./Art. 7

Components of Modernization. The PAGASA modernization shall have the following components:

(a) Modernization of Physical Resources and Operational Techniques. This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities and systems, with emphasis on weather and flood monitoring and warning system and agro-meteorological observation system to strengthen services for agriculture and food security: Provided, That prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an inventory of all existing government and private weather instruments nationwide shall be undertaken: Provided, further, That the acquisition of new instruments, equipment and systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out of uneconomical and obsolete instruments, equipment and systems in the PAGASA inventory;

(b) Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. This shall involve the enhancement of research and development capability through a more rationalized and totally integrated, approach and identified activities, with focus on improvement of operations, as well as the development of specialized services with cost recovery measures:

(c) Establishment of Regional Weather Service Centers. This shall include the establishment of flood forecasting and warning sub-centers in strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency base for delivery of service to the countryside;

(d) Establishment of PAGASA Data Center. This shall include the centralization of the different technical outputs which include facts, figures and statistics derived from the PAGASA operations and systems, through the establishment of a technology-based data-center that is consistent with international standards in order to make atmospheric, astronomical and weather-related information accessible and readily available to all government agencies involved in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management, the academe, researchers, media and the general public.

(e) Enhancement of Weather Data Collection and Information Dissemination Services. This shall involve the development and use of effective weather information method using local dialects, nontechnical terms and familiar graphical presentations that will ensure the delivery of accurate, up-to-date and timely atmospheric, astronomical and weather-related information to create greater public awareness and draw appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, That PAGASA should partner with, other government agencies and private entities for the collection and dissemination of weather data and information.

(f) Creation of a Human Resource Development Program. This component shall include the following:

(i) New Salary Scale for PAGASA Personnel. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PAGASA personnel in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government with a corresponding increase in the base pay, allowances and other benefits;

(ii) PAGASA Personnel Retention Incentive. An additional incentive to be known as the Personnel Retention Incentive shall be provided to qualified PAGASA personnel, to be determined by PAGASA in consultation with DBM in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the monthly basic salary subject to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which shall be hereinafter formulated; and

(iii) Scholarship Program. Not later than three (3) years from the enactment of this Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate studies in meteorology and related fields as well as for specialized training programs, in coordination with the DOST, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on human resources upgrading and capability enhancement with regional and international organizations shall also be undertaken.

(g) Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. This shall entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements with relevant regional and international bodies and government institutions to complement the national effort for modernization.