Government upgrades weather tools

By Mia Gonzalez

THE government is installing sophisticated weather-forecasting equipment in strategic points of the country to better prepare the people for bad weather, President Arroyo said.

Speaking in Baler, Quezon, where she led the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, the President announced that she would visit places hard-hit by Typhoon Frank beginning Tuesday to be personally apprised of the situation on the ground, and to observe relief- and-recovery efforts.

“We will strive for better preparedness for future typhoons. We will install Dopple radars, modern weather- forecasting instruments, in Surigao del Sur, South Cotabato, Mactan, Tagaytay, Zambales, Cagayan province, Catanduanes and Eastern Samar,” she said.

Arroyo said the two existing Doppler radars in the country—one each in Baguio City and in Baler—will be upgraded.

The President seized the opportunity to address criticisms about her decision to complete her 10-day US trip despite tragedies at home caused largely by Typhoon Frank.

“Overseeing relief efforts was part of our daily action agenda. We’re in constant contact with our officials on the ground, personally directing activities practically minute to minute,” she said.

She reiterated that she has “demanded a full accounting” of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy and vowed to duly punish those found guilty of negligence that led to the death of many people.”

On Wednesday the President will keynote the 61st anniversary of the Air Force at the Mactan Air Base in Cebu, and will meet with the families of the victims of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy.

“In Cebu we will also be meeting with families of the victims of the ferry accident because most of them are from Cebu. So I express by condolence and would pledge to them that we will get to the bottom of this terrible tragedy,” she said.

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THE government is installing sophisticated weather-forecasting equipment in strategic points of the country to better prepare the people for bad weather, President Arroyo said.

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