U.S. PROVIDES $381,000 TO HELP MODERNIZE RP’S WEATHER AGENCY

On February 13, U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney signed a grant agreement providing $381,000 to further strengthen the Philippines early-warning system and natural disaster risk management resources.  Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, Secretary of the Department of Science Technology, signed the agreement for the Philippines during a ceremony witnessed by Henry Steingass, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia; and Prisco Nilo, Director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

            The USTDA grant agreement supports PAGASA’s efforts to improve its capacity to monitor potential weather hazards, including typhoons, monsoons, and landslides, and inform the public about them.  PAGASA will use the funding for a study to identify upgrades needed for the meteorological and hydrological telecommunications system network. 
           
            The study will include the implementation and financing plans for the identified technologies, corresponding system specifications, and bidding documents.  The contract to conduct the USTDA-funded study for PAGASA will be competed on the U.S. Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fedbizopps.gov.  PAGASA will select the U.S. contractor that will complete the study.

            USTDA funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits, and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.  For further information about USTDA, visit their website at www.ustda.gov.

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