PAGASA says it provides key rainfall data but has no role in flood control design

Amid mounting questions over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, state weather bureau PAGASA clarified that its role is limited to supplying rainfall data crucial for urban planning and drainage system design — and not in deciding how or where such projects are implemented.

In a report by Mariz Umali on Unang Balita on Monday, PAGASA said it provides Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency (RIDF) curve data whenever requested by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or project contractors. The RIDF curve shows how intense, how long, and how frequent rainfall is in a given area — data considered vital in designing effective flood control systems.

“Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency curve. 'Yun po ang basehan para doon sa gagawing design. Consultants, DPWH, and contractors are requesting for that data set. We provide such information, but after providing that, we don't know if it was used or not,” said Marcelino Villafuerte II, PAGASA deputy administrator for research and development, said during the Saturday News Forum.

(Rainfall intensity duration frequency curve. That is the basis for the design. Consultants, DPWH, and contractors request that data set. We provide such information, but after providing that, we don't know if it was used or not.)

PAGASA stressed that its mandate extends only to providing meteorological data. The agency has no involvement in project planning, design, or determining where the flood control systems will be built.

The clarification came after questions were raised about whether PAGASA was consulted in the design process of several controversial flood control projects currently under investigation. —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News