First B.S. Meteorology course opens in CLSU

by Ramon Efren R. Lazaro

Sixteen science scholars in B. S. Meteorology course, under the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute Junior Level Program has started undergoing a six-week bridging program that started on  April 23   at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).

CLSU president Ruben Sevilleja  noted that  the pioneering project  is auspicious because of the changes in climate. He added the dearth of expertise in atmospheric science and meteorology demands for capacity building in this specialized area of study. 

On the other hand, Filma Brawner, director of the Science Education Institute, said the bridging program is a way of leveling the differences in the training of scholars from the different universities.

        The offering of the B.S. Meteorology course,  under Project COMET (Consortium for Meteorology Education and Training), is a collaborative undertaking of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Bicol University (BU),  Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU),  Visayas State University (VSU),  and AGHAM Party-List.

            In 2009,  Angelo Palmones,   Chairman of the Philippine Typhoon Committee Foundation, Inc., and now AGHAM Party-list representative in the 15th Congress,   initiated the move for the offering of the B. S. Meteorology  for the first time in the Philippines .

“The services of meteorologists are now in demand by different economic sectors   such as aviation, shipping, agriculture, food industry, research, and the academe. The first batch of B.S. Meteorology scholars now is making part of history because offering  the course is  first in the Philippines ,  even in Southeast Asia ,”  added Florentino Tesoro.

            “The beauty of the program is that it carries not a single flag.   It is  a synergy of multi-agency  undertaking,  of hopes and dreams becoming a reality to serve and help protect our country and people from natural disasters,”  said BU president  Fay Lea Patria  Lauraya.

            Cynthia Celebre, PAGASA chief for training and research, explained that

 “Meteorology is a noble profession, and a meteorologist is committed to protect and save lives and properties” and asked “Imagine what the Philippines will be liked visited by 18-20 typhoons yearly without the meteorologists?”