Television network ABS-CBN has apologized to employees of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) for a kids television gag show’s joke over unrealiable weather forecasts.
The media giant said the different meaning given to the acronym Pagasa in last Sunday’s episode of “Goin’ Bulilit” “was said in the context of a joke and should not be deemed as a fact or criticism.”
The skit had a child actor say that Pagasa stood for Palaging Guess At ‘Lang Saktong Announcements, which loosely translates to wild guesses and incorrect announcements.
The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association, the union of Pagasa employees, the next day demanded a public apology from the producers of the comedy show for belittling the weather bureau and endangering public safety.
“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,” ABS-CBN said.