Television network ABS-CBN yesterday apologized to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration following a gag in its children’s show which did not sit well with the government weather bureau.
“The gag, which gave a different meaning to the acronym PAGASA, was said in a context of a joke, and should not be deemed as a fact or criticism,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.
“It was not our intention to hurt or demean the agency, and we apologize to the employees of PAGASA who may have been offended by the joke that we aired. We hold PAGASA in high esteem and believe that it does its best to provide timely and relevant weather information to ensure the public’s safety,” it added.
Philippine Weathermen Employees Association president Ramon Agustin appreciated the apology of ABS-CBN.
“I am personally touched by your kind sense of humility. This noble gesture will further strengthen our ties and mutual respect for each other. In fact, I am personally indebted to the support given by your network during our past struggles to achieve the best welfare for my fellow employees,” Agustin said.
“On our sentiment regarding the issue, my respect for your network stepped on a higher level because of shown humility to reach out with us. With this, we warmly accept your sincere apology. I am looking forward to have smooth relations with you as in the past so we can attain our common objective to serve our countrymen,” he added.
Last Monday, PWEA decried the alleged “insult” inflicted by the TV producers of a children’s gag show.
During the November 13 episode, children were asked on the various acronyms of some government agencies. As a joke, the children responded with a different meaning of agencies. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)