Benhur Abalos (left), Jason Paul Laxamana (Facebook)

Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos has lectured film director Jason Paul Laxamana on the importance of an early warning system for typhoons, but at the same time acknowledged that the latter has a valid point.

Abalos, in a statement Monday, Nov. 4, says that announcing the entry of a typhoon into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is crucial for early preparedness.

The senatorial aspirant weighed in on the recent issue involving Laxamana, who argued that the entry of a typhoon into the PAR–an imaginary line outlining the boundary of the Philippines that's being used by weather experts to warn the public for incoming rains and storms–should not be announced as news because it supposedly creates confusion or panic.

“Halos 20 mga bagyo ang bumabayo sa ating bansa kada taon dahil tayo ay nasa tinatawag na ‘Pacific Typhoon Belt’, isang rehiyon sa Pacific Ocean kung saan karamihan ng mga bagyo ay nabubuo," Abalos said. 

(Nearly 20 typhoons batter the country each year because we're within the so-called ‘Pacific Typhoon Belt’, a region in the Pacific Ocean where most of the typhoons are formed.)

"For this reason, timely announcements are essential for protecting our communities because typhoons pose a significant threat to lives and property. We must prioritize the dissemination of information that allows individuals and families to prepare adequately for severe weather events," Abalos explained.

"Ang maagap na pagbabalita ng lokasyon ng bagyo ay makakatulong para makapagligtas tayo ng maraming buhay at mga ari-arian,” he added.

(The timely reporting of a typhoon's location is vital in saving as many lives as we can, and also property.)

Should he win as a senator in next year’s mid-term elections, Abalos vowed to push for legislations that will help the country address the worsening effects of climate change in the country.

Abalos is part of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas Senate slate.

...But Laxamana has a point

His remarks notwithstanding, Abalos said that he also understands where Laxamana is coming from, especially on the need for simplified weather reporting to enhance public understanding and safety.

“Sa isang banda, naiintindihan din natin ang hugot ni Mr. Laxamana na dapat talaga ay gawing mas simple ang mga termino na ginagamit sa pagbabalita tungkol sa mga bagyo. Marami sa ating mga kababayan ay hirap maintindihan kung ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng mga sayantipikong termino na ginagamit ng mga reporter galing sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno,” he said.

(On the other hand, we also undeesrand Mr. Laxamana's point that terminologies on the reporting of typhoons must be simplified. A lot of our countrymen find it hard to understand the meanings of scientific terms that reporters learned from government agencies.)

He urged the Office of Civil Defense (POD) to “laymanize” weather reporting in the Philippines to ensure that all citizens can easily understand and respond to weather forecasts and alerts.

Abalos explained that simplifying weather terminologies and using straightforward language will help ensure that vital information reaches all demographics, including those in rural and underserved communities.

“When we simplify the language and presentation of these reports, we empower our communities to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of utilizing infographics, maps, and other visual tools that can enhance comprehension.