QUEZON CITY, June 14 — Daluyong bagyo, pana-panahong hangin.
These are the Filipino terms for storm surge and monsoon, words that are usually heard in weather forecasts.
With the launching of the first-ever weather dictionary “Patnubay sa Weder Forkasting”, the public can now have a reference book for technical weather terms which are simplified and translated into Filipino.
An initiative by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), headed by no less than the country’s National Artist for Literature Mr. Virgilio S. Almario, the “Patnubay sa Weder Forkasting” is also a response to President Benigno Aquino III’s call for a more understandable weather forecasting.
The project, which was closely coordinated with the technical experts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), aims to strengthen the campaign for a simplified forecast so that the public can understand the warnings about the weather condition.
Aside from Filipino, the “Patnubay sa Weder Forkasting” contains terms that are taken from other languages and local dialects such as Ilokano and Bikolano.
PAGASA Mobile Apps and Simplified Information Materials
Meanwhile, PAGASA also introduces the upgraded version of the PAGASA Mobile Apps.
A light version of the PAGASA website, the mobile app contains vital weather information and flood warnings.
The app, which can be installed using an Android phone, can be downloaded from the Google Play store. This project is one of the components of the technical cooperation between PAGASA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-JPOW Project.
Other products unveiled Monday are the simplified information materials created through the collaborative efforts of PAGASA and USAID’s Be Secure Project.
The brochure-type materials contain information and illustrations about La Niña, El Niño, Rainfall Warning System (RWS) and the updated Tropical Cyclone Warning System (TCWS). A poster-type material will also be released soon.
Be Secure Project is a four-year activity that promotes good governance and capacity-building for long-term water security, improves access to water and wastewater treatment services, and builds more resilient communities. It also provides technical support to DOST-PAGASA in improving its weather forecasting services.
These events are just part of the kick-off activities for the observance of the Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week (TFAW) under Presidential Proclamation 1535. Other activities include the La Niña Forum, Media Seminar-Workshop, and an open-house of the PAGASA facilities. (PAGASA)
