MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology is set to acquire an IBM "super computer" to improve weather forecasting and more effectively project the impact of climate change particularly on the agriculture sector, DOST officials said Monday.

IBM will donate the computer, which will arrive in September, to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The computer will help weathermen extend their forecast from three days to seven, giving people more time to prepare for incoming storms, monsoons and other weather disturbances.

Montejo said the computer would also allow forecasters to use advance weather modeling software to consolidate weather sensors nationwide.

The use of the super computer would make weather forecasting in any part of the country more accurate, he said.

The new equipment will also help DOST prepare better analysis on the impact of climate change by using the climate modeling software and help forecast the proper time for farmers to plant and harvest crops.

The computer can also process data on what would be the weather outlook of the country in the next five to 10 years.

Aside from the super computer, the DOST would also install additional Doppler radars to help weathermen measure the amount of rainfall of an incoming typhoon.

DOST director Raymund Liborio said five more Doppler radars would be installed in strategic areas in the country.

There are now 10 Doppler radars operating nationwide.

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PAGASA to get super computer