DOST-PAGASA and DepEd Makati begin collaboration for school-based heat stress index monitoring
Through a memorandum of understanding, the DOST-PAGASA and the Department of Education – Makati Schools Division have officially partnered to strengthen heat stress index monitoring through the installation of portable Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) sensors in selected schools within Makati City.
Signed on February 25, 2026, at the PAGASA – Central Office, the MOU, supported by the locally-funded project titled “Development of an Early Warning System for Monitoring, Forecasting, and Projecting Climate Change Impacts on Heat-Related Health Risks” and by the JPOW3 Project, marks a key milestone for improved heat stress surveillance that will contribute to informed decision-making and preventive interventions aimed at minimizing heat-related incidents among learners and school personnel.
The signing was led by Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, Administrator of DOST-PAGASA, Dr. Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Makati City, Dr. Rosalie A. Trongco, Chief Education Supervisor of Deped–Makati City School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD), Mr. Satoda Hiroshi, Team Leader of the JPOW3 Project, Ms. Thelma A. Cinco, Weather Services Chief of CAD, and Ms. Jorybell A. Masallo, Chief of CAD-IAAS. School principals from the selected Makati City schools, where WBGT devices will be installed, along with the DRRM officer of DepEd and technical personnel of the Heat Index and JPOW3 Projects, were also in attendance at the signing ceremony.
In his message, Dr. Servando highlighted the country’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, noting that the MOU will strengthen collaboration in sharing knowledge, technical expertise, and critical information for improved heat stress monitoring.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agustin emphasized the importance of the partnership in making informed decisions to build safer and more resilient spaces for students, essential in ensuring quality education.
The ceremony also featured a presentation and lecture discussion on the JPOW3 and Heat Stress Index Projects and the portable WBGT devices. With this, DOST-PAGASA reaffirms its mandate to enhance climate and weather-related monitoring systems and reinforce early warning mechanisms.
