PAGASA asked to simplify reports

CEBU, Philippines - The City Council is asking the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to try to simplify the weather reports it gives the public for the reports to be easily understood even by ordinary people.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, the sponsor of the resolution, said he was prompted to make the request because weather forecasters often use technical terms that are difficult to understand and comprehend when they deliver their report through the media.

Dizon urged the government weather forecasters based in Lapulapu City “to unlock jargons and make weather reporting and forecasting understandable to the public by not using technical terminology.”

“In the light of the frequent occurrence of natural calamities in the country, it is both necessary and urgent to use simple, concise and plain language to heed the public’s call to make it clear the weather reporting and forecasting,” Dizon said.

Suggestions were being floated that weather forecasters be oriented with news reporting and broadcasting so they can relay information simply and concisely to the public.

PAGASA said earlier there will be occasional rains this month with the entrance of the second half of the so-called north-east monsoon season.

PAGASA also said the public can expect “above normal rainful condition” by February and that there is a probability for a tropical cyclone to occur, which may likely dissipate before reaching land. – (FREEMAN)