The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday said it will start using the video-sharing application TikTok to provide and deliver weather information to the public.
At a news conference via Facebook, Michael Bala of Pagasa’s technical learning and development said: “We are very happy and excited that we have an official TikTok application.”
“Right now, we have a few consultative meetings with TikTok Philippines, and signed a memorandum of understanding,” he said.
“Pagasa recognizes that TikTok is an emerging platform,” he said.
Bala said they wanted to reach out to more Filipinos in ramping up their capability to provide weather forecasts, tropical cyclone warning services, and flood forecasting and warning.
The state weather bureau also provides climatological and farm weather services, research and development, astronomical services, and information, education, and public outreach.
During yesterday’s celebration of Pagasa’s Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week, the weather bureau said it has looked for other means to give the public the proper information, especially now that field trips of students have been stopped amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Bala, Pagasa has six million followers on Twitter and over four million Facebook followers.
“We have realized that it is (just) a small percentage of the population. Traditionally, we give information through print and radio. Through the years, social media has played a big role. We want to reach out to certain demographic, the younger generation, who are mostly on TikTok,” he said.
Apart from this, Pagasa will adopt the “impact-based forecasting” anchored on the hazard-based forecasting.
Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum said it is important the public would know the risk and impact of a powerful typhoon and other natural calamities.