Atmospheric processes significantly impact people’s lives in the Philippines. From the long-term effects of climate change to more immediate threats like typhoons, intense Habagat rains, air pollution from vehicles, volcanic eruptions, and even fireworks, these phenomena—whether frequent or rare—have affected Filipinos in various ways. Understanding these complex events is essential for reducing future risks. However, this understanding cannot rely solely on scientific research; it must also be rooted in community engagement.
Effectively communicating evidence-based information to non-expert audiences can empower people to take informed action. At the same time, gathering feedback on how different groups interpret such information can help improve science communication moving forward. Ultimately, building a resilient and informed society requires collaboration between scientists, communities, and communicators at every level.
About the Speaker
Gerry Bagtasa is a professor at the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology, University of the Philippines in Diliman. He took up BS and MS Physics at De La Salle University in Manila and got his Ph.D. in atmospheric physics at Chiba University in Japan. He started at UP-IESM in 2008. His research interests include rainfall from tropical cyclones, tropical cyclone and monsoon interaction, ENSO and rainfall, and the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation on Philippine rainfall. Moreover, studies on air pollution, such as transboundary pollution transport from East and Southeast Asia, as well as local air pollution dynamics in NCR, or from volcanic emissions, are part of his research.
Well-versed in atmospheric modeling, since June 2012, he has been running a weather website called “Weather Manila” and often posts explanations and contextualizes local weather and climate phenomena on social media.
Play Video
Innovation Impact Stories session held on September 17, 2025, featuring Professor Gerry Bagtasa.
