At the end of each year, we usually take stock of what transpired and assess our strengths and weaknesses in order to do better next year. Usually in the form of “New Year’s Resolutions,” we list down what we have to do for the next 365 days. In the light of the recent disasters in Mindanao, we list here the top 7 things we can do to address climate vulnerability in our country.

Last Sunday, we joined several groups from Marikina to commemorate the unfortunate events of September 26, 2009. That day, Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) brought more than a month’s worth of rain across Luzon and inundated Metro Manila and adjoining cities and towns.

The removal of Dr. Prisco Nilo as director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) due to “differences” with his “immediate superior” literally stirred up a storm last weekend.

PRESS STATEMENT

August 7, 2010

The removal of Dr. Prisco Nilo as director of the PAGASA due to “differences” with his “immediate superior” shows that the current government would rather fire the messsenger than upgrade the bureau's capacity to prepare for typhoons and disasters.