CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has inaugurated another state-of-the-art Doppler Radar station located in Brgy. Binaticlan, Laoang, Northern Samar on Wednesday, April 19.

According to Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. of the Department of Sicence and Technology, Doppler weather radar has now become the face of the DOST-PAGASA in terms of producing accurate and timely weather forecasts, advisories, and warnings.

He said this weather tracking system is the most dependable equipment used by weather forecasters for detection of cloud motion and development.

"Forecasters are now able to provide accurate thunderstorms and heavy rainfall warnings aside from determining the accurate location of a tropical cyclone,” Solidum said.

Solidum pointed out that this tracking system will strengthen the Agency’s operational capacity and further expand their physical resources.

He said Laoang Doppler Radar is strategically located at the eastern seaboard of the Philippine Archipelago, which can cater a portion of the CALABARZON Region specifically Quezon province, a portion of MIMAROPA Region (except Palawan), Region V, VI, VII, VIII and a small portion of Northern Mindanao.

He said the installation of the 19th PAGASA-operated Doppler Radar in the country serves as a milestone in environment advocacy towards a positive change for our community as well as our country.

He also commended the people behind this endeavor for finally realizing the project particularly DOST-PAGASA, who has always been at the frontline in the Philippines' weather forecasting playing a vital role in disaster risk reduction and management initiatives in the country, and the immense support of the provincial and local government units.

Solidum added that it is always encouraging to know that they have staunch partners from the local government unit who understand the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) and their impact to the lives of their constituent.

According to PAGASA, the P150-M Laoang Radar is a C-Band Dual Polarization Solid State Weather Radar with a 480-km radial range, similar to the one installed in Cataingan, Masbate, which was inaugurated and operationalized in August 2022. (MMP/TBC/PIA Northern Samar)