COA flags Pagasa for underspending 2021 budget

The Pagasa building in Quezon City (Photo from PAGASA)

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau spent only P1.09 billion or 57 percent of its P1.92-billion budget for programs and projects in 2021, due to failed biddings caused by complex technical requirements and specifications, limited number of participating bidders, and long procurement process.

This led to delays in awarding contracts and various procurement activities. In its 2021 audit report on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) released last week, state auditors said the low disbursement affected its efficiency in delivering timely, accurate and reliable weather-related information services especially during calamities.

Pagasa obligated P1.64 billion or 85.58 percent of its P1.92-billion budget for 2021 but actually spent only P1.09 billion.

“The huge amounts that have remained unobligated and disbursed as of year-end and funds that were reverted back to the national treasury are counterbeneficial to the agency’s continuing efforts toward providing protection against national calamities and utilizing scientific knowledge as an effective instrument to insure the safety, well-being and economic security of all people,” the Commission in Audit (COA) said.

—JULIE M. AURELIO

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