Naga lauds Padua for valuable feat
NAGA CITY --- Dubbed as the “Maverick Meteorologist” and a “One Man Weather Center,” David Michael “Mike” V. Padua, a.k.a Mr. Typhoon has received another accolade from the Naga City government, “in appreciation and profound gratitude of his invaluable service to the people of Naga, Bicolanos and the nation as a whole with his most accurate reporting of weather updates during the recent super Typhoon “Rolly” on Nov. 1.
In a joint and collective motion, Naga’s Sangguniang Panlunsod members passed Resolution No. 2020-366 on Nov. 3, citing among others, Padua’s contribution in informing his followers of the typhoon’s track thru his regular and clear weather reporting delivered via various social media platforms and radio interviews.
Padua regularly posts his updates through his YouTube channel Mr. Typhoon.
Armed with his laptop and knowledge, he made himself available 24/7 prior and during the onslaught of Typhoon “Rolly.” He gave phone-patched interviews in various local radio stations in the province, allowing his listeners to keep an accurate track of the typhoon, including the almost precise time of its landfall and its location.
This, according to the said resolution, “alerted the Nagueños and Bicolanos of the danger of the impending typhoon and kept track of it while it developed and gathered strength while approaching the Bicol region.”
In his Facebook post, Mayor Nelson Legacion said that the commendation bestowed on Padua is in recognition of his significant role in giving updated information regarding any upcoming weather disturbance and how it helped in the preparation not just of the LGUs but also of residents living in vulnerable areas.
The resolution further stated that the precise information provided by Padua in his feeds enabled the city government to “take necessary precautions including facilitating executions of evacuation plans thereby preventing difficult rescue operations and minimize potential casualties considering the severity of the super typhoon.”
The city council also recognized that Padua’s advisories alongside that of the government’s weather bureau – PAGASA, has “become the reliable guide of the Naga City’s government action in responding to the needs of the situation making him an indispensable partner of the city in ensuring the safety of every Nagueño.” Padua is also a recipient of various awards in the past.
He received the People’s Choice Award during the 2000 Philippine Web Awards, a certificate of appreciation from the Philippine Coast Guard for his assistance during Typhoons “Unding” and “Yoyong” dated December 20, 2004; Institutional commendation from the Naga College Foundation (NCF) for exemplary service to the NCF community dated January 2005.
On June 17, 2005, he was a recipient of Naga City Special Mayoral Award for his deep sense of civic duty and expertise in storm tracking and weather analysis, and various recognitions including the: prestigious People’s Choice Award; citation for Heroism (dated Dec 19, 2006) for rendering service above and beyond the call of duty resulting in the deliverance of countless lives at the height of super Typhoon “Reming” that slammed the region on Nov. 30, 2006.
He was also an ABS-CBN Gawad Geny Lopez, Jr. Bayaning Pilipino 2010 Finalist Region V - Individual Category (dated Aug 26, 2010), for continuing to set aside personal interest or gain for the benefit of his respective community, imbued with a tireless pursuit for excellence in his endeavors, and dedicating his life in service of the poor.
Padua also received the Ateneo De Naga University’s “Bulawang Bikolnon Service to Bikol Award” given during the 61st Commencement Exercises on March 26, 2011. (PIAV/Camarines Sur)