Weather talk

JOHN Philip Lavidez, Irene Crisologo, Neil Tingin, Oscar Lizardo, John Galang, Doki Natividad, Dr. Eria Palinggit, and another whose name I missed are the Generals of our Philippine Army of Disaster Experts. If I heard right, they are members of Project Noah, a multi- disciplinary disaster research body composed of civil engineers, geographers, geologists, anthropologists, cartographers, lawyers, etc., headed by Dr. Mahar Lagmay.

They study and chart all types of hazard points like landslide- prone areas, places likely to be submerged in floods, settlements in danger of being swept away by storm surges, tsunami, and all types of phenomena with which Mother Nature punishes the erring and unrepentant.

I wanted to call in to ask if they consult maps that date back to colonial times, both Spanish and American, the latter especially for its systematic exploitation of resources coupled with technological advances at the turn of the 20th century.

Unfortunately, our young scientists were only on display, exhibited as evidence that our educational system is increasingly paying tribute to science. There was a steady stream of interruptions from local government officials, whether solicited or not was hard to tell. Mayor so-and-so and Governor of this or that province called to give self- serving reports about how they were protecting their constituents from Hagupit” s ( Ruby’s) impending fury.

They reminded me of those salad days ( before climate change became the rage) when discussing the weather was considered boring. It betrayed a lack of imagination; it was definitely not a suitable topic for cocktails and formal sit- down dinners. Next time, I want to hear our young Filipino scientists without interruption. I am sure they are brilliant, capable enough to navigate this republic through the perilous shoals of climate change. (ggc1898@ gmail. com)