Press Release
October 24, 2010

ANGARA RECOGNIZES PAG-ASA'S ACCURATE FORECAST, SEEKS FINANCIAL AID FOR TYPHOON JUAN VICTIMS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara recognized the accuracy of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) in forecasting the path of Supertyphoon Juan last week.

Typhoon Juan, also known as Megi, was the world's biggest and strongest storm so far this year. PAG-ASA officials correctly predicted that Juan would make landfall in Isabela, opposing the international forecasts which said that it would land in Cagayan. The residents of the hardest hit towns were able to prepare properly, minimizing the casualties and amount of damage.

"We are very critical of PAG-ASA, especially since Basyang. We must also give credit where it is due, and their accurate forecasts about Typhoon Juan shows that they've learned from their mistakes. I believe this will go a long way towards restoring the public's faith in them," said Angara.

Angara, head of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, has been pushing for the modernization of PAG-ASA as the rainy season promises to bring more and more typhoons.

"The officials at PAG-ASA showed competence and stood by their weather bulletin even when it contradicted the forecasts of international weather agencies. With more training and better equipment, we could have more accurate predictions, no longer relying on forecasts by other countries," he explained.

When asked about financing the rehabilitation of damaged property caused by Typhoon Juan, Angara suggested using the unused funds from different government agencies.

"Perhaps we can also donate a portion of the government's calamity fund to the victims of Juan even if it's relatively early yet. Or maybe we can divert the unused 2010 allocation from different agencies, since there are only two months left in the year," he said.

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