Former weather bureau chief Dr. Prisco Nilo said Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo could have just turned down the proposed P1.1 billion broadband project if he disagreed with it.

In a radio interview, Nilo said Montejo, being the head of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) which has the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) under its wing, should have rejected the project at once because it was only a proposal.

Nilo was commenting on reports that Montejo cited the former weather bureau chief’s alleged insistence on pursuing the P1.8-billion modernization project as a source of disagreement between them.

Montejo removed Nilo as head of the PAGASA.

Montejo said that the P1.8-billion modernization project, which included the P1.1-billion broadband project, was too expensive.

“One of the components of the P1.8-billion proposed project is the P1.1-billion broadband project which can be satisfied by our existing satellite link (with other agencies),” Montejo said.

The broadband project aims to disseminate weather forecasts faster to the public.

“We can’t wait for additional budget and equipment because the government has limited resources. There is also the urgency to enhance the processing and dissemination of good and timely forecasts,” Montejo said.

He pointed out that the PAGASA can work with less than P100 million to increase the number of automated weather stations (AWS), rain gauges, and river sensors nationwide.

“We (Montejo and Nilo) have different orientation (when it comes to PAGASA’s modernization). We had different approaches on how to look at the problem on forecasting,” he said.

“I tried (to persuade him) but he insisted on the P1.8 billion for the broadband project,” Montejo said when asked if he considered retaining Nilo in his post.

DoST Undersecretary Dr. Graciano Yumul, officer-in-charge of the PAGASA, said they prefer developing PAGASA’s data collection, processing and forecast in the next three months by tapping technologies that are locally available.

“We have to benchmark the accuracy of our forecasting because we have all the data that we need. We will also send weather bulletins to mayors affected by storms…to people directly affected by storms,” Montejo said.

By November, the country will have seven Doppler radars in place located in Subic, Zambales; Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Tampakan, South Cotabato; Baler, Aurora; Baguio City; Tagaytay City; and Cebu.

Three additional Doppler radars will also be established in the eastern seaboard after the setting up of the seven radars.