Press Release
November 27, 2007

KIKO URGES GOV'T TO UPGRADE PAGASA EQUIPMENT
"Wrong forecasts endanger lives, waste taxpayers' money"

With three weather disturbances almost simultaneously hitting the country, Senate Majority Leader and Independent Senator Kiko Pangilinan reiterated the need for equipment upgrade of the country's weather bureau, or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Kiko's advice came amid PAGASA's recent forecast blunder in connection with Typhoon Mina (International code name: Mitag), which had been predicted to hit the Bicol region, but instead ravaged the northern Luzon provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.

An equipment upgrade, Kiko said, will lead to a "more accurate weather forecast that would help the public take precautionary measures even before any typhoon devastates the country. It will also keep the government from making unnecessary expenses on disaster preparations."

News reports said the disaster-prone province of Albay, for instance, spent at least P14 million to evacuate and feed thousands of residents after the President ordered 'preemptive evacuation' last week as PAGASA warned that Mina was going to hit the Bicol Region.

"Mabuti na lamang at mabagal yung bagyo. Kung hindi eh baka mas marami pang nasalanta sa Cagayan at Isabela. Evidently, wrong forecasts not only endanger lives, they also waste taxpayers' money," Kiko said.

"Kailangang-kailangan nang i-upgrade ang mga kagamitan ng PAGASA. Ito ay para maagapan ang anumang pananalasa na dala ng bagyong papasok sa ating bansa. Hindi 'yung lagi na lang tayong nagugulantang ng mga bagyo," Kiko explained.

Typhoon Mina left at least 12 people dead and 4 people missing. An estimated P1.9 million worth of crops was also reported damaged due to the typhoon.

Tropical Depression Lando, meanwhile, continues to threaten the Palawan-Mindoro area, while another active low pressure area Nonoy is likely to enter the country's area of responsibility.

"Kailangang tutukan ang kakulangang ito ng Pagasa. Kailangan nating maging handa sa anumang sakuna na dala ng mga bagyo. Ito ang dapat tinututukan at pinaglalaanan ng budget ng goberyno, at 'di yung mga Cyber Ed o NBN Broadband project at iba pang white elephants," Kiko ended.

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