Abby Binay bats for enhanced weather forecasting amid climate woes

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay

PILI, Camarines Sur — Makati City Mayor and senatorial candidate  Abby Binay wants an increased funding for the state weather bureau, seeking to improve climate forecasting in response to climate change.

Binay made the call on Friday at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ press conference in Camarines Sur. 

Binay said an improved climate forecasting would greatly help farmers and the agriculture sector which has been severely affected by extreme weather conditions.

“Climate change is already here. We’ve been talking about rising temperatures for years, but funding for important programs like Project NOAH has been cut, leaving us unprepared when disasters strike,” she said.

“More funding for climate forecasting could help us give early warnings to farmers and communities about extreme weather, so they can take necessary precautions,” she added. 

Data from the Department of Agriculture showed that 98 percent of agricultural production losses from 2013 to 2022 are due to climate-related hazards.