PNoy wants zero casualty when ‘Chedeng’ enters PHL

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the concerned government agencies to ensure that no one will perish when tropical storm “Chedeng" enters the country this week. “Ang marching orders ng Presidente ay zero casualty. It’s not really about the livelihood and properties but the lives of the people," Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr said at a press briefing in Malacañang Tuesday. He said Aquino also directed the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to give an hourly weather advisory once a weather disturbance with a category of a typhoon enters the country. “Hindi na kami maghihintay ng signal. We are going to go every hour on the hour," he said. Before, PAGASA, which is under the Department of Science and Technology, gave hourly updates only when there was already an existing public storm signal. Yumul, however, said their advisories will only be effective if the public follows it. He said there are three components of a good forecast, which are timely and reliable forecast, good communication, and response by the community. Yumul said PAGASA and the Office of the Civil Defense are already doing the first component. The second component, he said, is being done with the help of the media. “The third critical component is that the appropriate response by the community should be attained," Yumul said. “Everybody has to cooperate, one’s safety is the individual’s responsibility." — Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News