WeatherPhilippines Foundation Inc., RAFI Distribute 10 Automated Weather Stations in Cebu Towns

WeatherPhilippines, in partnership with RAFI and the League of Provinces of the Philippines, deploys 10 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in Cebu towns last week in a ceremony held at the RAFI-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Center, Barangay Parian, Cebu City.

WeatherPhilippines Foundation , Inc. (WPF), a non-stock, non-profit corporation that provides premiere weather forecasting system, complements the government’s effort in reducing weather-related disaster risks in the country. WPF also provides free and accurate weather forecasts as a public service to the nation.

Some northern towns of Cebu province has been badly affected by super typhoon Yolanda that hit the country last year. With the AWS, recipient towns can now properly respond to variable weather conditions and avoid loss of life and property.

In a turn over ceremony held last July 17, the towns of Alcoy, Daanbantayan, Dumanjug, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Santander, San Francisco, San Remigio, Tuburan, and the city of Bogo received the world-class weather information system from WPF, who also provides training session to town representatives.

With 13 to 16 typhoons visiting the Philippines each year, WPF has embarked on a mission to provide free, critical weather forecasts to the Filipino people.

Integrated Training Program for Community Empowerment

This year, WPF will start its basic meteorological training with Weather 101 and Tropical Cyclone 101 that will be facilitated by professional meteorologists. This activity will be complemented with disaster response, search and rescue training with WPF’s partner- Center for Outdoor recreation and Expedition (CORE).

These training aims to help local communities understand basic concepts, processes and effects of different weather disturbances, including rain-producing weather systems in the country so that locals can formulate their own preparation programs in time of weather-related disasters.

Typhoon Tracking and Climate Sensitivity

WeatherPhilippines intends to deploy 1,000 AWS nationwide and as per June 30 this year, a total of 478 AWS has been distributed in major cities and provincial capitols in the country. In addition, WPF had more than 170 provincial risk reduction personnel, environment officers and city engineers trained on both AWS installation and use of the the WPF website.

Deployment of AWS to Priority Meteorological Sites

WPF is set to roll out a total of 257 AWS in priority sites including Yolanda-affected areas as part of its commitment to strengthen the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation capability of the country.

The following sites are included in WPF priority areas:

Bayugan
Batac
Batbay
Bogo
Borongan
Cabadbaran
Carcar
Catbalogan
El Salvador
Guihulngan
Samar
Mati
Naga
Tabuk
Tandag
Tayabas

WeatherPhilippines is formed by the Aboitiz Group, Union Bank, and the leading Switzerlang-based weather services organization Meteogroup (formerly Meteomedia) . It aims to address the country’s need for a world-class weather information systems. With a premiere weather forecasting system, WeatherPhilippines provides free and accurate weather forecast to the Filipino people as its undying commitment to serve the nation. (With PR from Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.)

Photo above: Bogo City Mayor Junie Martinez receives the Automated Weather Station equipment during a turn-over ceremony held at RAFI- Edgardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), along Lopez Jaena st., Cebu City. (Photo by MetroCebuNews Team)