Weather updates available through twitter, SMS — PAGASA

Local officials and parents wanting to determine if they should allow pupils to go to school during rainy weather were advised Wednesday to check the state weather bureau's Twitter account. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Gener Quitlong issued the advice amid reports that some local officials complained PAGASA's regular forecasts come out at 5 a.m. at the earliest. "When we detect cloud formations that may cause rain, we post hourly updates on Twitter. They should monitor that, too," Quitlong said in an interview on dzBB radio. PAGASA's Twitter account (@dost_pagasa) can be accessed at www.twitter.com/dost_pagasa. Quitlong said the Twitter account can be updated as often as needed. Quitlong also said PAGASA sends regular updates as well via SMS. The PAGASA website indicated those who want to get updates through SMS can send text messages to 7008526. Quitlong said local officials who are mandated by Executive Order 66 to announce class suspensions at 4:30 a.m. or earlier can particularly refer to the Twitter account. He said that while PAGASA issues regular updates only every 12 hours – at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. – it updates its Twitter account much more frequently. On the other hand, he advised parents to use "common sense" during rainy weather, noting some parents did not give their children umbrellas during Tuesday's rains. "Dapat ang mga magulang i-adjust natin sarili natin. Marami tayong nakikita kahapon na walang payong na bata," he said. — LBG, GMA News