When typhoons, floods, or heatwaves strike, one agency is always in the news — PAGASA. Many Filipinos assume it also provides cash aid or disaster relief, but its real assistance works differently. Instead of handing out money, PAGASA gives life-saving information that helps communities prepare, adapt, and recover faster.
Overview: What PAGASA Is and How It Began
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) was officially created in 1972 under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
It replaced the old Weather Bureau, which had been monitoring the country’s weather since 1865, making PAGASA one of Asia’s oldest meteorological institutions.
Its name — “PAGASA,” meaning hope in Filipino — captures its mission: to provide accurate, timely, and reliable weather, flood, and climate information that helps Filipinos prepare for and recover from disasters.
PAGASA operates 26 weather stations, 13 flood forecasting centers, and multiple radar and satellite systems nationwide. It also manages the Philippine Standard Time and even conducts planetarium programs and astronomical outreach to promote science awareness.
With every bulletin it releases, PAGASA serves as the country’s early-warning shield — turning data into decisions that save lives.
What PAGASA Really Does
PAGASA is the country’s official weather, climate, and hydrology agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Its core mission is to observe, forecast, and warn — turning scientific data into tools for safety and planning. Every alert you see about incoming rain, typhoons, floods, or drought comes from PAGASA’s nationwide monitoring network.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
- Weather forecasts and cyclone bulletins – Daily and extended forecasts for cities and provinces, plus storm signals and tracking for tropical cyclones.
- Flood forecasting and advisories – Regular flood bulletins, basin reports, and dam discharge warnings that help LGUs plan evacuations.
- Storm surge and rainfall alerts – Early warnings for coastal flooding, heavy rain, and thunderstorms.
- Climatological and farm-weather services – Updates on El Niño/La Niña and seasonal forecasts that help farmers plan planting schedules.
- Hydrological and astronomical services – Water-level monitoring, instrument calibration, Philippine Standard Time, and even public planetarium programs.
- Community outreach and education – Seminars, school talks, flood drills, and training sessions for teachers and LGUs.
Each of these services aims to reduce disaster risks through accurate, accessible data — empowering communities before danger strikes.
Who Can Access PAGASA Assistance
PAGASA’s assistance is open to everyone, but its programs are especially useful for:
| Group | Type of Support |
| General Public | Weather forecasts, flood advisories, storm warnings |
| Farmers and Fisherfolk | Farm-weather updates, seasonal climate outlooks |
| Local Government Units (LGUs) | Training, flood drills, and technical guidance |
| Schools and Researchers | Climate data, educational materials |
| Shipping and Aviation Sectors | Marine and aviation weather bulletins |
Many LGUs and agencies also partner with PAGASA for early-warning systems and local disaster preparedness projects — including those supported by international groups like JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
How to Request PAGASA Support
If your school, LGU, or community group needs training or technical assistance, you can contact the agency directly. Here’s how:
- Check updates first. Visit www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or follow PAGASA on Facebook and Twitter for the latest weather advisories.
- For technical help, contact the Public Information Unit:
📞 (02) 8284-0800 local 1100–1101
📧 information@pagasa.dost.gov.ph - For LGU or institutional requests, inquire about community drills, weather station setup, or capacity-building programs.
- During disasters, coordinate with your Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) for relief and response operations — they work closely with PAGASA’s forecasts.
What PAGASA Does Not Provide
PAGASA’s mandate is technical, not financial.
It does not give cash, food packs, or social-welfare aid.
If you’re seeking financial or emergency assistance after a disaster, contact:
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for relief goods or cash aid.
- Your LGU or Barangay Hall for local emergency response.
- Other agencies like NDRRMC, DA, or DOH, depending on the impact (livelihood, health, etc.).
PAGASA’s part is to make sure you know when and how those disasters might happen — so you can stay one step ahead.
Why PAGASA’s Services Matter
PAGASA’s forecasts aren’t just weather updates — they save lives and protect livelihoods.
- Farmers can adjust planting schedules before a drought.
- Fisherfolk can avoid trips during rough seas.
- LGUs can evacuate residents ahead of a flood.
- Schools and workplaces can suspend operations before a storm hits.
Behind every timely warning is a team of meteorologists, engineers, and researchers working around the clock to keep Filipinos safe.
Quick Steps to Stay Informed
- Follow PAGASA’s official pages for real-time alerts.
- Enable location-based notifications on your mobile phone.
- Join community drills or seminars conducted by PAGASA or your LGU.
- Download weather apps that use PAGASA data, like DOST-NOAH or Project RAIN.
- Verify news — only trust official PAGASA advisories, not viral posts.
Staying informed is the simplest form of protection.
Final Thoughts
PAGASA may not hand out financial aid, but its forecasts and training programs form the backbone of the country’s disaster preparedness system. Every alert you receive, every rainfall map you check, and every warning you hear on the radio — that’s PAGASA’s assistance in action.
When you follow their advisories, you’re not just reading the weather.
You’re reading the country’s first line of defense.