CONSUL GENERAL FERRER MEETS WITH DOST-PAGASA OFFICIALS, RECEIVES UPDATES ON ONGOING COLLABORATION WITH BAY AREA STARTUPS
Consul General Neil Ferrer (center) and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil pose with DOST-PAGASA officials (from left to right) Dr. Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Ms. Maria Cristina Uson, and Engr. Lorenzo Moron (San Francisco PCG photo)
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, accompanied by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, met with officials of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on 2 July 2025 at the PAGASA Main Office in Quezon City. The meeting was part of the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with key Philippine agencies in the areas of science, technology, and innovation.
The Consulate delegation was warmly received by Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development; Ms. Maria Cristina Uson, Chief of the Numerical Model Section and Project Leader of the AI-4RP initiative; and Engr. Lorenzo Moron, Weather Services Chief for NCR, among others.
The discussion focused on ongoing and emerging collaborations between PAGASA and international tech partners, particularly in the areas of AI-powered weather forecasting, climate resilience, and weather intervention research.
During the meeting, Consul General Ferrer received updates on PAGASA’s partnership with Atmo, a U.S.-based AI company that develops predictive systems for weather and climate applications. The Consulate played a key role in facilitating initial discussions between Atmo and DOST, which later contributed to the launch of PAGASA’s flagship project AI-4RP (Artificial Intelligence for Resilient Philippines), a two-year program that leverages AI to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts using local data.
Dr. Villafuerte emphasized the long-term goal of developing a homegrown AI-powered weather forecasting system. In response, Consul General Ferrer expressed support towards this endeavor.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, particularly in linking PAGASA with relevant startups, researchers, and institutions within the Bay Area and other parts of the U.S. West Coast.
The Consulate’s visit forms part of a broader effort to maximize opportunities for technology diplomacy and expand innovation partnerships between the Philippines and the United States. END
A DOST-PAGASA official shares updates on AI-powered forecasting initiatives during a meeting with Consul General Neil Ferrer and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil at PAGASA headquarters. (San Francisco PCG photo)