Automatic weather station now in Siquijor

Monday 20th of February 2012

SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 (PIA)—An automated weather station (AWS) is now in place in Siquijor, Siquijor and has been part of a major television network's weather report since December 2011.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said that the AWS provides reliable information on weather or climate occurrences by measuring wind velocity, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric temperature, and amount of rainfall with gadget attached to measure solar radiation.

De la Pena said that Kuya Kim of TV network ABS-CBN has used the AWS in his primetime weather forecast since December last year.

The installation of AWS in the province is based on the request of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) that was approved by the DOST-Philippine Atmospherical Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sometime in September 2011, said de la Pena.

He added that PAGASA has allocated some P1 million for the foundation of the 10-meter tower, raingauge, solar panel and three anchorages for the guy wires, with other accessories such as Sensor (Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity), Solar Radiation Sensor, Wind Instrument and Lighting Arrester.

The Provincial Government has also allocated some P300 thousand for the perimeter fence to secure the site.

Started on November 5 and was completed on November 11, 2011, the AWS now stands at the Department of Education Athletics Compound in Pulangyuta, Siquijor will be maintained by the provincial government.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was executed between the DOST-PAGASA and the province of Siquijor for the province to serve as the caretaker with its assigned provincial engineers to ensure, among others, maintenance and protection of the equipment. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor)