I’VE heard many Kapampangans jokingly expressing their thanks for the alleged “inaccurate” weather forecast of Pagasa over the weekend on typhoon “Santi”. A signal number 2 forecast yielded only a slight drizzle and some moderate to a little heavy winds in Pampanga. It was even felt over a short period of time before sunrise of Saturday.

I was convinced that the “Todos Los Santos” would be a Todos Los Santi since we expected for another super typhoon like those which recently hit the country. Many of Filipinos are still recuperating from the wrath displayed by Ondoy and Pepeng. Some cemeteries and even memorial parks are in fact, still submerged in stagnant waters until now. Undas was generally peaceful and unexpectedly “hot” not because of the candles lit but because of the scorching heat of the sun.

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While we were expecting a wet weekend, it was otherwise. Vendors of beverages including bottled “mineral” enjoyed brisk sale of their thirst quenchers at cemeteries. The temperature was high as candles melted in haste and flowers lost freshness.

I jovially told some friends that the weekend weather forecast was the best “mistake” the country’s weather bureau has committed and was replied that Pagasa’s weather forecast is always the opposite.

It’s quite unfair for the weather agency when people always blame our weather bureau for what they say inaccurate weather reporting. I believe that the said office gets meager budget from the government resulting to outdated weather forecasting equipment and facilities which most are “surplus”.

Last week, the Japanese government has donated some weather forecasting implements to our country. We assume that those are likewise “used” and not new. Other countries’ outmoded facilities and equipment are always brand new to us. Consider the number of Japanese surplus vehicles and engines “dumped” to our country and reconditioned for our use.

Filipinos are experts in making these commodities appear new. We are fond of “conversions” anyway.

In this time of rapidly developing technology, we live in a world of electronic gadgetry and hi-tech apparatuses. Radars and other weather monitors are vital tools in forecasting what is coming and going on in our skies. We can merely rely on Dopplers to know what day it’s gonna be.

As early as the Spanish period, weather forecasting is an important activity that has affected lives and properties. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or Pagasa was established in December of 1972 pursuant to Presidential Decree 78, as the premier agency tasked in monitoring, analyzing, forecasting and warning of tropical weather systems such as typhoons, monsoons etc.

I was told during a brief visit at that office that many of their weather forecasting instruments are as old as their agency. We can guess perhaps the amount of reliability and accuracy they can still afford to offer.

If only the expected direction and fierceness of “Santi” did materialize, we have probably seen not only houses being toppled but also niches and graves. If only rain persisted over the weekend, no candle would have been lighted at cemeteries.

Despite the great number of attacks on the alleged inaccuracies of weather reports from the only weather bureau of the country, Pagasa is indeed still our hope in terms of forewarning us with any weather disturbance despite their old, dilapidated forecasting equipment.

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Another weather disturbance was reported by Pagasa. Tropical depression “Tino” has been forecasted to affect northern and central Luzon. By sheer coincidence perhaps, “Santi” and “Tino” when put together shall form the word “Santino”, the main cast child actor who has gripped the telenovela limelight.

Let’s pray that “Bro” shall always be our constant companion during any type of weather.

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Atty. Ananias “Jun” Canlas is said to be running for the vice-mayoralty post of Bacolor town. It’s a near perfect combination with former Provincial Board Member Ferdinand “Dinan” Labung who is running for mayor. Atty. Jun, himself a former Mayor of that town, is a highly respected legal practitioner and public servant. His track record says it all. Good luck kong Jun.