Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri supports simplifying weather terms used by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to enhance public understanding and response to weather forecasts.
While defending the 2025 budget for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday, Zubiri highlighted that complex jargon can confuse the public, resulting in inadequate disaster preparedness and management.
“You’re right; they should just simplify it in Filipino. I think the issue, and I really asked them this: how do we disseminate this information to as many people as possible?” the senator stated.
Zubiri proposed increasing the DOST budget from P28.506 billion to P29.37 billion, which he stated would fund PAGASA to repair weather stations and replace defective instruments. This investment is crucial for improving disaster risk reduction and management, especially following recent typhoons.
Additionally, a significant portion of the budget increase will support the establishment of a Philippine Science High School campus in the Negros Island Region, ensuring that students inclined toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have access to a quality science education.
Meanwhile, Senator Ramon Revilla, Jr. urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units in Luzon to complete preparations for Tropical Storm ‘Pepito,’ which is expected to make landfall on Saturday.
This call comes in the aftermath of Typhoon ‘Ofel,’ which struck Northern Luzon and reached Typhoon Signal No. 5.
“We must waste no time in cleaning up after ‘Ofel’ and getting ready for ‘Pepito,’” said Revilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Works.
According to PAGASA, “the possibility of rapid intensification cannot be ruled out. This tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category while over the Philippine Sea, and it might even reach super typhoon status before landfall.”
“DPWH and the affected local government units need to ensure that the waterways are clean and clear, and that all debris is removed,” Revilla emphasized.
He stressed the importance of keeping residents in vulnerable areas alert and prepared to evacuate when authorities advise.
Revilla also mentioned the necessity of prepositioning emergency and relief goods in safe locations so that, when needed, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can immediately distribute them.
