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By:
Benny Luzentales
For the past several years, the series of typhoons and tropical storms that hit the Philippines were named after ladies.
Thus, we had typhoons Asiang, Bebeng, Kading, Dading, Didang, Gloring, Huaning,
Isiang, Mameng, Omeng, Pitang, Rosing, Titang, Welming, Yeyeng, etc.
Experts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) explain that typhoons that originate from above the
equator are given female names.
Bohol Congressman Ernesto Herrera four
years ago, while a member of the Senate, questioned the use of female names
among typhoons, saying it was unfair and derogatory to the opposite and weaker
(really?) sex.
In a
bill filed then in the Senate, Herrera said the practice of naming typhoons and
storms after woman has subconsciously associated women with the loss of precious
lives and properties.
Recently, the PAG-ASA came out with a list
of 100 new names for tropical storms and typhoons.
PAG-ASA Director Leoncio Amadora said the
names adopted by the weather bureau have no derogatory meaning (Herrera need not
worry anymore) and Pinoy na Pinoy ang dating.
He added that most of the new Pinoy names
for typhoons were chosen from among the winning entries submitted to the name a
Bagyo tilt conducted by PAG-ASA three years ago.
Some of the new names are Barok, Darna,
Isang, Labuyo, Nanang, Kiko, Jolina, Sibak, Talahib, Kaka, Dagul, Sibasib,
Wilma.
With more than 20 typhoons visiting the country every year, expect he coming
storms to be called Barok, Lagalag, Sibak, Sibasib, Labuyo, Kiko, Jolina.
Now with typhoons sporting Pinoy tags,
Filipinos won’t have typhoons and storms carrying the names Aiza, Beverly,
Charlene, Deborah, Evelyn, Christine, Michelle, Nikki, Peachy or Sharon.
PAG-ASA experts said storms are called typhoons only in the Pacific area. In the regions of Indian Ocean, they are called cyclones.
In the Atlantic countries, typhoons are called hurricanes. That explains the fact that American newscasters do not use the word typhoon. They use hurricane.