PRESS RELEASE
DOST-PAGASA S&T Media Service
14 October 2026
Quezon City


DOST-PAGASA INAUGURATES FIRST SYNOPTIC STATION IN DIGOS CITY, BREAKS GROUND FOR DAVAO DEL SUR’S FIRST DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR


DIGOS CITY, Philippines (October 14, 2026) — The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) marked a major milestone in strengthening regional disaster resilience today with the inauguration of the Digos City Synoptic Station and the groundbreaking of the Digos S-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Barangay Igpit, Digos City.

The twin facilities represent a significant boost to Davao del Sur’s meteorological infrastructure. The new synoptic station is DOST-PAGASA’s first in Digos City, while the upcoming S-Band Doppler Weather Radar will be the first facility of its kind in the entire province.

Equipped to deliver continuous surface observations—including rainfall, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind dynamics—the synoptic station will support PAGASA’s daily forecasting operations while building a localized, long-term climate database for Digos City. Complementing this, the S-Band Doppler Radar features a longer signal wavelength specifically engineered to penetrate heavy precipitation. Once operational, it will track storm structures and localized rainfall across Davao del Sur and neighboring areas, giving forecasters the ability to issue earlier and more precise warnings.

By generating localized, high-precision data, these facilities will empower Davao del Sur communities to shift toward anticipatory disaster action—a critical defense for a province historically vulnerable to torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. underscored the Department’s commitment to expanding its nationwide reach to help communities prepare for evolving weather and climate risks.

“Every science-based decision can save a life and prevent economic loss. That is the true value of science—not just helping us understand hazards, but empowering us to act before they turn into disasters,” Secretary Solidum said. “As climate risks grow more complex, we must shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk management. We must live by the principle that resilience is not merely surviving, but thriving despite challenges.”

DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando also emphasized the agency’s dedication to bringing science closer to the public and ensuring critical climate information reaches grassroots communities.

“Our responsibility extends beyond forecasting weather. Through Impact-Based Forecasting, we seek to communicate not only what the weather will be, but what it could mean for people, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, and livelihoods,” Dr. Servando stated. “This approach helps communities understand potential risks and take appropriate protective action before hazards become disasters.”

The dual event highlights the strong collaborative partnership among DOST-PAGASA, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Digos City, and regional disaster risk reduction stakeholders. Through continuous investments in observation network expansion, DOST-PAGASA remains steadfast in delivering timely, life-saving weather intelligence across Mindanao.

For more information, please contact Ms. Anianita R. Fortich, Chief of PAGASA Regional Services Division-Mindanao, at telephone number 8284-0800 local 6730.

Originally signed:


NATHANIEL T. SERVANDO, Ph.D.
Administrator