Iloilo gets a forecast glow-up from PAGASA

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is set to strengthen weather-monitoring capabilities in Iloilo with the inauguration of a new S-band Doppler radar and the groundbreaking of a synoptic station aimed at improving forecasts and early warnings across the Visayas.

The Department of Science and Technology on Friday, March 6, inaugurated the Iloilo S-band Doppler Radar Facility and led the groundbreaking of the Iloilo Synoptic Station at the Iloilo Radar Station in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro District, Iloilo City.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the new facilities would significantly enhance weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities in Western Visayas and neighboring regions.

Solidum said the radar is equipped with a dual-polarimetric Doppler radar system that can better detect atmospheric conditions, including rainfall during intense weather disturbances.

“Its ability to detect atmospheric conditions even during intense rainfall allows DOST – PAGASA to track severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and tropical cyclones with greater precision,” he said.

The radar facility uses the same advanced dual-polarization S-band technology used in earlier installations in Masbate and Northern Samar, making it the third of its kind nationwide.

The S-band system operates in the 2,700 – 2,900 megahertz frequency range, providing robust performance during heavy rainfall and extended coverage of up to 400 – 480 kilometers for precise tracking of typhoons, storms and heavy precipitation.

Solidum said the radar’s wide coverage extends monitoring capabilities to other provinces in the Visayas, as well as parts of Southern Luzon and Mindanao.

He said the improved monitoring system will allow PAGASA to deliver more accurate forecasts and timely warnings that communities and decision-makers rely on during extreme weather events.

Meanwhile, the planned synoptic station at Iloilo International Airport will enhance aviation safety by providing hourly surface weather reports on temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind, visibility and cloud cover.

Solidum said the information is critical for pilots and air traffic control during takeoff, landing and en route phases.

“Once operational, it will continuously record key meteorological parameters such as temperature, rainfall, wind, and air pressure that form the very foundation of every weather forecast,” the DOST chief added.

Solidum said the two facilities will strengthen the country’s weather-monitoring network and support disaster-preparedness efforts.

“As we inaugurate this radar facility and begin the construction of the new synoptic station, we reaffirm a guiding principle: when science informs action, development becomes more secure, communities become safer, and the nation becomes more resilient – para sa Agham na Ramdam,” he said.

PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando highlighted the significance of the synoptic station’s groundbreaking, noting that the facility will provide continuous and dependable monitoring of essential atmospheric indicators such as temperature, rainfall, wind and air pressure.

“These may appear to be simple measurements, but they form the very foundation of every forecast we issue,” he said.

“Without accurate observations, there can be no reliable forecasts, and without reliable forecasts, effective preparedness becomes a challenge,” he added.

The DOST allocated PHP 176.6 million for the construction and maintenance of the radar facility, while the synoptic station building will cost PHP 6 million, with an additional PHP 4 million allotted for the procurement of instruments.