THE Office of Civil Defense-Davao (OCD-Davao) has assured the public that the region remains fully prepared should any tropical cyclones predicted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) affect Mindanao this July.
OCD-Davao Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang said disaster response teams—including local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other emergency clusters—are on standby and ready to act.
Citing ongoing coordination with Pagasa, Dayanghirang noted that the initial forecast shows the storms may likely affect Luzon or the Visayas. Still, he said that the Davao Region is not letting its guard down.
“If the cyclones shift direction toward Davao, we’re ready,” he said, adding that response units across the region have undergone intensive training and are equipped with new gear to boost disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Earlier, Pagasa announced that two to three tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this month. While these storms are currently projected to bypass Mindanao, weather experts urged continued monitoring due to the unpredictability of storm tracks.
Pagasa also warned of the southwest monsoon (habagat), which continues to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
In Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Pagasa forecasted up to 21 rainy days this month. Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., Chief Meteorological Officer of Pagasa-Dagupan Station, said these thunderstorms may bring heavy rain and lightning. He advised the public to avoid using mobile phones or staying outdoors when lightning is present.
Estrada clarified that despite frequent rains, Pagasa has not yet declared a La Niña event, as current rainfall levels remain below the threshold.
Given the forecast, Dayanghirang urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and to cooperate with local authorities. He reminded residents that preparedness begins with awareness and called on communities to remain alert and proactive. DEF