The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA has warned that incoming super typhoon Mawar may bring heavy rains over northern Luzon once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, while it may enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat which can bring rains over the western portions of central Luzon, southern Luzon and Visayas starting Sunday or Monday.

The state weather service forecasts that Mawar will reach peak intensity after which it may slightly weaken as it moves towards the waters east of extreme northern Luzon. Mawar shall be named “Betty” after it enters the PAR.

As of this writing, the sun still shines and the summer weather can still be felt in our surroundings. This early, the national government and some local government units are preparing for anticipated onslaught of the said weather disturbance. While Mawar is yet to enter the PAR, the preparations are made such as evacuation centers, food packs and rescue implements.

The preparations made are signs that we Filipinos have learned from our mistakes in the past and that we have matured enough to learn from “Yolanda”, “Frank”, “Karding” and others. Anticipation partnered with preparation is what will make us survive when strong winds, heavy rains, landslides and floods will haunt us once again. Just like in the past years. Typhoons are our annual visitors in the country.

Prior to its entry to the PAR, Mawar has and it is still ravaging by this time the US territory Guam. Social media posts show how strong the typhoon is and how it is battering residences, trees and anything in this tropical island territory in the Pacific. Fortunately, we have live feeds from Guam that makes us aware and appreciate the intensity of Mawar.

The typhoon may weaken, but we cannot discount the possibility of being destructive (knock on wood) just like what it did in Guam. While we have Filipino resiliency as our shield, it is very important that we prepare for the worst scenario. The intensity of the super typhoon is more than enough reason for us to brace ourselves. Nonetheless, its effects may vary in different areas in our country such as those in landslide-prone areas, flood prone or low-lying communities. What’s important is preparation that includes evacuation if necessary.

The pro-active stance of the government is laudable as we prepare for the super typhoon before it strikes, although we hope that it shall significantly weaken once it enters the PAR. When typhoons wreak havoc, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Office of Civil Defense, the PAGASA, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of the local government units and other government agencies are at the forefront. They are the “busy ones” when disaster strikes and heroes come out after it happens.

We are still in the summer season or dry months, however, here comes Mawar threatening to blow us with its wind and flood us with its rains. It seems that we are experiencing some weather shift that is the result of climate change. It’s unusual for us to have a strong typhoon in May, a dry month. We may experience droughts during the rainy season, on the other hand.