The rainy season is here: We can weather the storm with foresight

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed the start of the rainy season on June 2 after several days of widespread rainfall brought by the habagat or southwest monsoon.

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Yet while the rains have arrived, so too have the familiar risks torrential rain, flooding, landslides, and, too often, avoidable tragedy.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) responded swiftly, urging LGUs to brace for the possible onslaught of the southwest monsoon (habagat). In a memorandum, the DILG ordered the LGUs to ensure the functionality of Emergency Operations Centers with adequate personnel and equipment, and to activate Local Incident Management Teams trained in the Incident Command System.

"Local governments must also identify and prepare structurally sound evacuation centers with essential facilities such as sanitation, medical aid, and designated areas for vulnerable groups. These should be regularly inspected and upgraded based on safety standards and capacity requirements," the DILG advisory said.