𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

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After weeks of relentless heat, the Philippines now finds itself under a curtain of gray skies, pummeled by continuous rain and strong winds. The state weather bureau, PAGASA, has officially declared the start of the rainy season.

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But this year’s declaration is more than a routine shift in climate — it's a stark reminder of the deepening crisis we face. With climate change amplifying the severity and unpredictability of weather patterns, what used to be isolated events are fast becoming the norm.

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Just last weekend, a few hours of rain triggered widespread flooding. Vehicles were stranded. Families were forced to evacuate. And this wasn’t an anomaly — it’s becoming our new reality.

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In a country that experiences around 20 typhoons annually, compounded by increasingly erratic weather, complacency is dangerous. The recent deluge was a wake-up call: we must act now — before stronger storms hit.

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𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲

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Readying ourselves for the rainy season has become more than just carrying an umbrella or stocking canned goods. It means taking active steps to secure our homes — inspecting roofs, clearing gutters, and anchoring anything that could be blown away by strong winds.

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At Meralco, we urge customers to prioritize electrical safety. During floods, even a single exposed wire or faulty outlet can be fatal.

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𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

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The rainy season also brings a spike in illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, and dengue. Vaccination, especially for seniors and those with compromised immunity, is vital. Families should maintain a basic medicine kit, ensure access to clean water, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites to protect their health.

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𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

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While individual efforts are essential, local and national governments play a critical role in preparing communities.

The Marcos administration has launched the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) program, aimed at improving disaster preparedness, especially in high-risk areas. By coordinating agencies like PAGASA, NDRRMC, and DSWD with LGUs, the program seeks to streamline emergency response.

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Local governments must also step up. Clean-up drives to clear drainage systems, preparation of evacuation centers, readiness of rescue equipment, and efficient communication protocols can dramatically reduce disaster impact. Timely weather alerts and evacuation notices can save lives.

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Health services — including flu vaccinations and disease prevention information — should be extended to vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

 

Preparedness isn’t just physical — it’s also about education. A well-informed public is a safer public. Everyone should know what to do during floods, when and where to evacuate, and how to reach emergency services. These simple, life-saving details must be made accessible to all.

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𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 — 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

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Now more than ever, preparation is not a choice; it’s a responsibility. Let’s demand better systems, support our local communities, and educate ourselves and others. With collective action and shared responsibility, we can weather the storms ahead — together.