PAGASA launches smartphone-friendly weather monitoring app

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday launched a platform that allows users to view the country’s meteorological conditions through smartphones, aiming to help the public better prepare for weather-related hazards.

The platform, called the PAGASA National Hydro-Meteorological Observing Network (PANaHON) mobile app, was entirely developed by the agency.

It was officially launched during a press conference in observance of Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week 2026.

The Panahon mobile app is the agency’s response to its findings showing that more than half of users access the PAGASA website, and nearly 70% access Panahon—a website-based platform launched last year—via smartphones, PAGASA said.

“Last year, Panahon was internet-based. But it has been improved and is now available on a mobile platform,” PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando said during the press conference.

Among its key features are real-time observed data from stations nationwide, interactive radar maps, and localized five-day forecasts, Loren Joy Estrebillo-Timbal, information officer from PAGASA’s public information unit said during the press conference.

It also sends location-based push notifications to instantly alert users about active storm, rainfall, cyclone, and flood warnings, she added.

PAGASA said the launch of the app is also part of its commitment to modernize weather and climate services amid the country’s ongoing status as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to meteorological hazards. — Edg Adrian A. Eva