By Brian Campued
As much of the country enters the rainy season this month, access to timely and accurate weather forecasts and reports are more than vital for Filipinos’ preparedness against expected hazards brought by tropical cyclones and other extreme weather events.
Coinciding with the observance of the Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week from June 14 to 20, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has launched a new mobile application that can give prompt weather alerts to users.
With the PAGASA National Hydro-Meteorological Observing Network (PANaHON) app, which was unveiled on Monday, users get timely notifications directly on their mobile device, such as tropical cyclone bulletins, rainfall and thunderstorm warnings, and flood advisories.
The digital platform features an interactive map with near real-time weather data and by allowing location access, users can receive hourly forecasts and 5-day weather outlook relevant to their areas of interest.
“It is a platform for easy access of all information coming from PAGASA, mga real-time weather observations, warnings. So, please download the app,” PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said.
The PANaHON app is available for free on Android from the Google Play Store or iOS from the Apple App Store.
The launch of the mobile app came after the state weather bureau upgraded the PANaHON website in June 2025 as part of the agency’s efforts to raise public awareness on the risks and impacts associated with tropical cyclones, floods, and other weather-related hazards while promoting preparedness and resilience within communities.
PAGASA said that this year’s theme, “Bagyo, Baha, Maghanda Tayo!” Underscores the “importance of science-based preparedness, early warning systems, and community action in reducing disaster risks amid a changing climate.”
-jpv
