Through a Memorandum of Agreement, the Manila Observatory and DOST-PAGASA have strengthened their partnership and collaboration through data sharing, joint research, training and activities related to climate change and weather.
Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, Director of Manila Observatory and Dr. Nathaniel Servando, PAGASA Administrator, were present at the historic ceremonial signing today, July 19, 2024, at the Amihan Conference Room of the PAGASA Central Office.
According to Fr. Villarin, it has been 79 years since the Manila Observatory and PAGASA diverged paths as private weather research and operational weather forecasting institutions. He also expressed that the benefits of this collaboration between the agencies will not be reaped today; instead, they are planting something that will be harvested for years to come.
Dr. Servando expressed that this agreement represents PAGASA’s dedication to a strong partnership with the Manila Observatory, focusing on the collaborative research and various climate change iniatitives.
Also present were scientists of Manila Observatory – Dr Sherdon Nino Uy, Dr Julie Dado, and Dr Lyndon Olaguera who showcased the different research and ongoing projects of MO. They also presented the possible avenues of collaboration in research, instrumentation, and education.