Transferring the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to the National Science and Technology Authority, Providing for Its Reorganization, and for Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 984

Transfer of PAGASA to NSTA
• The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is transferred from the Ministry of National Defense to the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA). (Section 1)
• This transfer includes PAGASA's functions, applicable appropriations, records, property, equipment, and necessary personnel.

Reorganization of PAGASA
• PAGASA shall be headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both appointed by the President upon recommendation of the NSTA Director General. (Section 2)
• PAGASA's major organizational units are: (Section 3)
- National Weather Office
- National Institute of Climatology (formerly National Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Data Office)
- National Institute of Atmospheric Sciences (formerly National Institute of Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences)
- National Flood Forecasting Office
- Typhoon Moderation and Research Office
• The heads of these units shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation of the NSTA Director General.
• The National Geophysical and Astronomical Office of PAGASA is merged with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology of NSTA, forming the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Authority of NSTA Director General
• The NSTA Director General is authorized to: (Section 4)
- Transfer functions of PAGASA units to appropriate NSTA units.
- Reorganize PAGASA and the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to eliminate overlaps and duplicative functions, subject to provisions in Section 6.
• The field units and personnel of PAGASA are placed under the administrative supervision of NSTA regional offices, but under the technical supervision of PAGASA and/or its major organizational units. (Section 5)
• The Director General may allow PAGASA field units to remain under PAGASA's supervision due to operational needs.

Implementation and Personnel Actions
• The NSTA Director General is authorized to issue necessary orders, rules, and regulations to implement the Executive Order, subject to approval from the Office of Budget and Management regarding new staffing patterns, salary rates, internal organization, and alignment of appropriations. (Section 6)
• The Director General may appoint qualified personnel from PAGASA and NSTA units affected by the reorganization to appropriate positions in the new staffing patterns.
• Those not appointed are deemed laid off and entitled to benefits and gratuities under existing laws. (Section 7)
• The implementation, particularly personnel actions, shall be effected within six months from the issuance of the Executive Order.

Transitional Provisions
• Present incumbents of positions in PAGASA and affected NSTA units shall continue their usual functions pending the issuance of implementing orders. (Section 8)
• Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 9)
• Any unconstitutional portion of the Executive Order shall not nullify the remaining provisions, provided they can still stand and accomplish the objectives. (Section 10)
• The Executive Order takes effect immediately. (Section 11)