MANILA - Malacanang on Tuesday touted improvements in the early warning system of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as among the legacies under the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a Palace briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said more monitoring systems used for typhoons and floods have been installed or established since the start of Duterte's term in 2016.

Citing data from the DOST, Andanar said the agency now has a total of 17 doppler radar stations as of June 2021.

In June 2016, the DOST only had 10 doppler radar stations which are used for tropical cyclone and rain monitoring.

The DOST has 29 high-frequency doppler radars used for sea wave monitoring as of June 2021. In June 2016, the DOST had no high frequency doppler radars at all.

The agency also increased the number of flood forecasting and warning systems at river centers from five in June 2016 to 15 in June 2021.

Flood forecasting and warning systems river centers are used for monitoring water levels in river basins.

"Napakahalagang Duterte legacy ito para malakas ang ating climate at disaster resilience (This is an important Duterte legacy to strengthen our climate and disaster resilience)," Andanar said.

Early warning systems refer to hydrometeorological devices (hydromet) and warning stations installed in selected hazard areas in the country to collect weather risk data to be used in aiding real time disaster mitigation efforts.

In its 11 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cyclone Malakas, now intensified to typhoon status, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday morning.

"Malakas" with local name Typhoon Basyang, joins Tropical Depression Agaton (Megi) inside the PAR.

The government has assured the public that it is closely monitoring "Basyang" and "Agaton", urging the public, especially those in affected areas, to remain vigilant. (PNA)