By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) is currently conducting early preparations for the impending rainy season.

CDRRMO officer-in-charge Dondon Parandas said they are currently monitoring several weather disturbances outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility that may trigger a southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”

Parandas said the locations of the weather disturbances are checked every day.

According to the city official, the department is always awaiting notices from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As for the official declaration of the rainy season, Parandas explained PAGASA will be the agency to make the formal declaration.

He noted, the determination depends on several factors.

“As of the moment, we are still under El Niño conditions, but PAGASA relies on data they gathered, along with other partner [agencies] which give them updates,” Parandas explained.

He added, CDRRMO is continuously conducting clearing operations of the city’s drainage systems. They are also pruning trees as a means of avoiding leaves clogging drainage pipes.

Based on information released by PAGASA, as of yesterday, the nearest weather disturbance is a low pressure area located 195 kilometers southwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

A second low pressure area was also spotted 335 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan./DGB, WDJ