Iloilo Rep. Treñas defends Pagasa: Better safe than sorry

MANILA, Philippines—There’s nothing wrong with preparing people for worst-case scenarios, according to Iloilo Representative Jerry Treñas, who has come to the defense of the country’s weather bureau from critics who lambasted its forecasting capabilities in connection with its report on Typhoon “Chedeng.”

Treñas said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) was correct in preparing the public for the worst-case scenario when it came to Chedeng, if only to ensure that people were ready to face any potential danger.

The critics should just be grateful that the country has been spared from taking the brunt of Chedeng’s fury, he said.

“I find it really ridiculous that some people seem to be complaining because Chedeng did not make a landfall as forecasted by Pagasa. I don’t see this as a sign of incompetence because as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather be on the side of safety and vigilance than complacency,” he said in a statement.

He also pointed out that even though Chedeng changed course, the typhoon still caused heavy rains and strong winds over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan Valley, Quirino and Aurora. The rain and the wind could still be a danger to the public, he added.

Pagasa has reported the various possible paths that Chedeng might take, depending on the conditions.

For instance, Pagasa said Chedeng was expected to hit Cagayan and Isabela, but also said it was possible that it would move west and hit Samar, Bicol and Metro Manila.

Its officials advised these provinces that Chedeng may hit to prepare for such an eventuality.

Chedeng eventually followed another course, and veered away from the Philippines.