Marcos cites importance of weather forecasting amid 'new phenomenon'

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized the importance of weather forecasting amid the phenomenon that has been changing, including the effects of climate change.

Marcos said this as he presided over a situation briefing following the effects of the trough of the low-pressure area in the Caraga Region.

It was Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel who mentioned about the damaged PAGASA facility in Hinatuan due to an earthquake last year.

Marcos then instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a structural assessment on the building.

''Have a look at it because very important 'yan for the forecasting para at least may warning tayo when these things happen, mayroon tayong warning na may parating na heavy rains, low pressure area,'' Marcos said.

[Have a look at it because it's very important for forecasting and we have a warning when these things happen. We'll have a warning when heavy rains, low pressure area are forthcoming.]

''In all of the things, these disasters, the climate change and everything, the forecast has become more and more important... Diba dati pag sinabi may bagyong parating, mayroong tayong three to four days 'di ba, three to five days, tapos sasabihin ang typhoon signal number 2 lang, number 3, kayang-kaya 'yan ngayong iba na...'' he added.

[Before, when we say there's a storm coming, we have three to four days, three to five days ... then we'll say typhoon signal number 2 only, then 3.]

''Pag sabi may low pressure area, ano lang 'yan, typhoon signal number 1 lang yan, within 24 hours 'yung Odette naging 5, within 24 hours, that's the new phenomenon that we have to face, that's why forecasting has always become more important than it always was,'' Marcos said.

Pimentel said he had already informed Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Renato Solidum Jr. about the damaged building, which houses the doppler radar equipment that monitors weather disturbances.

Marcos visited Agusan del Sur on Friday to personally oversee the effects of trough of the low-pressure area, which caused heavy rains in Mindanao from January 29 to February 3. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News