The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) recently announced the onset of this year’s rainy season with PAGASA
administrator, Dr. Vicente B. Malano, declaring the rainy season began last Friday, citing
widespread rainfall associated a southwest monsoon.
However, he noted, there are still chances for a “monsoon break,” where breaks in rainfall can
occur over the course of several days or weeks.
According to a PAGASA advisory, “Rainfall conditions for July are expected to be generally
near-to-above normal over most parts of Luzon and the Visayas.”
In terms of El Niño, which AccuWeather describes as a climate pattern that raises sea
temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and results in drought conditions due to reduced rainfall, the
agency believes conditions will continue through August.
Ahead of the rainy season declaration, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed receiving a memo from the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) directing them to begin preparations for the season.

PDRRMO head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, said the memo was handed to them during a meeting
with DILG-Negros Occidental director, Engr. Carmelo Orbista.
Caelian confirmed, during the meeting, several local government units had already made
preparations by cleaning up rivers and various waterways in their respective jurisdictions./WDJ