By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

Part of equipping future meteorology graduates, the Mariano Marcos State University has partnered with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) to mutually implement the BS Meteorology internship program. 

In a signed memorandum of agreement, PAGASA will accommodate BS Meteorology students of the MMSU College of Arts and Sciences for their practicum training in various PAG-ASA stations through alternative learning activities, such as internship and enhancement training. 

The agency will accommodate 15 student-trainees for 180 hours within Laoag Synop-Airport-Upper Air Station at the Laoag City International Airport, Agromet Station in MMSU, and Sinait Synop Station in Sinait, Ilocos Sur. (Synop means surface synoptic observation.) 

Taking effect this month until May 31, 2023, the memorandum was signed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and PAGASA - Laoag Station chief meteorological officer Cynthia O. Iglesia today, July 7, at the MMSU Office of the University President. Iglesia represented Dr. Vicente B. Manalo, PAGASA administrator.

PSCA expressed gratitude to PAGASA for the partnership, which will “surely help the university in producing competent meteorologists in the future.” Meanwhile, Iglesia affirmed the agency’s commitment to equip the students with needed professional and technical skills.

The MOA signing was witnessed by CAS Dean Marivic M. Alimbuyuguen, CAS - Department of Physical Sciences chair Angelo Benedict R. Ragunjan, other faculty members, and PAGASA officials. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)