Greener pastures

Four weathermen from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have decided to move on to greener pastures.
Currently, PAGASA has 13 expert weather forecasters left. Three of them have pending offers to work in the Middle East.
While there are available personnel to fill the vacated posts, it will take years for them to become experts in forecasting the country’s complex weather patterns.
The four have reportedly left their posts, to work as airport forecasters and communications specialists at the Qatar Bureau of Meteorology.
When asked about their reasons for leaving PAGASA, they cited low salaries and delay in the payment of benefits.
Philippine Weathermen Employees Association President Ramon Agustin said that the weather agency personnel have not received their hazard pay for almost six months now.
“Two other benefits, namely, the longevity pay and the subsistence allowance would be given only until June this year because the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not yet released the funds for the next semester from July to December,” Agustin also revealed.
Agustin described the former PAGASA employees as “truly a big loss.” He said that they had been planning to leave the agency since last year but were “prevailed upon to stay, hoping there would be improved economic benefits at the agency as promised.”
Those, who choose to stay, remain committed to their jobs.  They continue manning weather stations that are ill-equipped and hoping for improved economic compensation, according to Agustin.
Concerned over the resignation of these PAGASA employees, Malacañang Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the government is looking into improving the benefits of government weathermen, within the bounds of the law.
It is estimated that around  4,000 Filipinos leave the country to work abroad everyday. The plight of the PAGASA employees are shared by many.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remit billions of dollars every year.
In 2013, OFW remittances reached a record-high of $25.1 billion, accounting for 8.4 percent of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It played a pivotal role in the 7.2 percent growth of the Philippine economy last year.
The Philippines is internationally recognized for its diverse and talented human resources. OFWs are glorified as modern heroes.
However, back home, the reasons why they leave and opt to work abroad remain a harsh reality.
Millions of Filipino workers are still searching for more favorable work and living conditions. It would be most ideal, if these conditions are met in their home country.
For now, the grass is still greener over the fence.
(AJPress)