by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Whenever meteorologists decide to transfer to new jobs overseas practically everyone feels the pain of loss and uncertainty toward the future. Seasoned weathermen of Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) can be deluged with profuse thanks and amazement of how they are able to predict killer storms and flash floods. Their thinning ranks borne out of personal frustration or anomie shows that something is terribly wrong with the management style of the Agency. While their priority concern is astral matters, their budget is down to earth so to speak.
Initially, veteran Nathaniel Servando was recruited last year to serve as University Professor in Qatar. Now Ricky Fabregas is resigning this month of August to work in the Federal Republic of Congo. Mr. Fabregas’ stint with PAG-ASA totals 16 years but given a measly pay of P16,000 a month. In the Congo, far economically depressed than the Philippines, his monthly paycheck will be five times his present salary or P80,000.00 plus other benefits.
The Philippines is helpless to stem the tide of highly skilled workers from going abroad to seek greener pastures. Last year, local airline companies complained of Philippine commercial pilots taking up jobs overseas. The department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) considers these economic opportunities since exodus translate to more US dollars, Euros, Dinars, among others. The 10 million Filipino expatriates are largely responsible for the GDP spike of 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013 prompting revision of international credit ratings as Fitch and Standard & Poor.
Interestingly, the brain drain controversy only affects developing countries while developed ones like Taiwan and Singapore have successfully reversed or arrested the process. Enticing top notched scientists, computer experts and academicians with the same pay and benefits they enjoy in their hosts’ countries and go home for good has proved successful. In addition, educational thrusts of youths are tailor made to the needs of business and industry. The result is spectacular decline in number of unemployment and overseas workers. The National Statistics Office shows that half of Filipino families have no mothers or fathers to care for their children’s needs. Prolonged absence of either one of the parents has lasting psychological impact on children in terms of emotional, physical and spiritual life. Family breakdown is more common in Filipino homes compared to the 1960’s. Unsupervised youngsters turn to drugs, alcohol, and petty crimes. A fitting comment over the heralded economic gains of the first 3 years of P-noy Administration appears hollow and irrelevant since the health and stability of the family are sacrificed on the altar of greed.
Recent Pulse Asia survey shows that 4 in 10 Filipinos say that the economy hardly changed over the past year. Indeed the inclusive economic growth could only be felt at the grassroots if 1.5 million jobs are available per year. Otherwise, the outstanding GDP growth can only be an illusion.
Now getting back to the issue of the weathermen’s plight. Much of the work of meteorologists is shrouded in mystery. Following is an excerpt from Time Life Encyclopedia on the nature of their tasks.
How To Predict Weather?
In olden times, people relied on folklore and hazy interpretation of cloud cover and temperature to forecast the weather. At best they were not truthful or accurate. However, in the 17th century the mercury barometer was discovered that measures atmospheric pressure. The need for accurate prediction led to the establishment of 10,000 weather stations all over the world. These facilities routinely collect information on temperature, pressure, precipitation and compiling data into maps.
There are two kinds of weather satellites that capture visible, infrared and microwave radiation from earth namely: a) Geostationary satellite positioned 35,000 kms. above the earth and circle in unison with earth’s speed as it travels around the sun so they stay over the same surface area, and b) Polar orbit satellites travel in North South orbit so earth turns under them.
A satellite sends raw data to a communication center that forwards it to weather stations. The satellite also relays processed images from the ground to remote stations and collects data from remote buoys, ships, aircraft and island observatories.
Weather radar (such as Doffler Radar stationed in Albay) uses radar waves to collect info about precipitations such as rain and snow. When radio waves from a radar antenna hit particles of precipitation in the air, they bounce back to the antenna. The radar also detects the direction of the precipitation and its intensity as shown by the strength of the return echo. It has an effective range of 420 kms.
Drawing Weather Map?
In order to chart the current weather, scientists collect data from weather stations and radio sounds. Radar provides vital information on storms. Satellites relay facts on cloud cover and temperature using standard codes (red, blue, orange, etc.) Meteorologists compile these data into a map.
Daily Weather Forecast?
Once meteorologists know the current weather, they are able to prepare the daily weather forecast. Scientists look at surface maps as well as maps of the upper atmosphere, cloud images from weather satellites, radar, echo maps and a variety of other info. After a group discussion, the meteorologists issue weather forecasts through newspapers, radio, and TV.
Paradoxically, PAG-ASA can accurately predict the weather but not the plight of its personnel leaving the service. Considering that weather forecast is inextricably linked with disaster preparedness a thorough investigation, analysis and reform must be undertaken by its head office – Department of Science and Technology (DOST). An average of 24 cyclones hit the country every year putting many lives and property at risk. Typhoon Cindy killed 1,300 people in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities on December 16-17, 2011. Eight years earlier in Ormoc City, a super typhoon and epic flood caused massive landslide killing 8,000 folks.
Senator Ralph Recto says, exodus of PAG-ASA personnel is a serious matter. The invaluable services of meteorologists are resoundingly clear. We cannot simply afford to lose them. They are classified as scientists hence their salaries must be upgraded based on defined duties and responsibilities. Let’s hope DOST acts rationally and favorably where exigency of the service demands it. /MP
No comments:
Post a Comment