As the second half of 2025 unfolds, the Philippines bids farewell to scorching heatwaves, only to be met by a familiar yet formidable visitor—the rainy season. This annual shift, officially announced by PAGASA, no longer comes as a simple change in weather but as a stark reminder of the deepening climate crisis. With heavier rains, stronger winds, and increasingly erratic weather patterns, this season has become less predictable and more destructive, forcing us to confront a pressing truth: rainy season preparedness is no longer optional—it is essential.
Last weekend’s flooding, which paralyzed traffic and displaced families in low-lying areas, was not an isolated event. It was a wake-up call. In a country that faces around 20 typhoons annually, readiness should be second nature. And yet, every year, the same scenes of flooded streets, overwhelmed drainage systems, and emergency evacuations play out—proof that complacency still lingers.
In his article “Preparedness is Power” published in The Philippine Star, author Joe Zaldarriaga underscores a sobering reality: “This isn’t the exception anymore. It’s becoming our new reality.” That reality demands proactive, community-wide action to mitigate the growing risks we face.
Why Preparedness Matters
Preparedness isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience; it’s about saving lives, protecting homes, and preserving the well-being of entire communities. The rainy season brings with it not just strong winds and floods, but also a spike in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like leptospirosis and dengue, and respiratory infections like pneumonia and flu. The combination of environmental and health threats makes it critical for Filipinos to proactively prepare.
More than just personal safety, being prepared fosters resilience—the ability of individuals and communities to recover quickly from disasters. It lessens dependence on emergency relief, reduces long-term damage, and empowers people to take charge of their safety and survival.
Tips for Preparing This Rainy Season
Secure Your Home by inspecting roofs for leaks, clearing gutters, and anchoring lightweight materials that may be carried away by strong winds. Meralco also reminds everyone to observe electrical safety, as one faulty outlet in flood-prone homes can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
Protect Your Health by getting vaccinated, especially for flu and pneumonia. Make sure to keep a medicine kit on hand and ensure your drinking water is clean and safe. Eliminating standing water and other mosquito breeding sites is essential in preventing diseases like dengue.
Stay Informed and Ready by keeping track of PAGASA advisories, preparing emergency kits, and familiarizing yourself with evacuation plans and contact information for local responders.
Support Community Initiatives like barangay clean-up drives and disaster drills. These not only reduce risk but also strengthen neighborhood bonds, critical during emergencies.
A Nationwide Effort Toward Resilience
The Marcos administration’s Buong Bansa Handa program is one such effort that aims to integrate public and private sector efforts toward preparedness. At the local level, local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to spearhead drainage clearing operations, conduct readiness checks on evacuation centers, and implement health missions to prevent the spread of diseases. As Zaldarriaga emphasized, “Local governments play a frontline role in disaster preparedness.”
Public awareness is also crucial. People need to know what to do and when to act. Strong communication efforts—especially targeted at vulnerable groups—can spell the difference between chaos and calm, loss and survival.
A Culture of Readiness
We may not have power over the forces of nature, but we do have the power to prepare. By taking action—no matter how small—we protect not only our homes and loved ones but also contribute to a stronger, more resilient Philippines. Building a culture of readiness starts now, and it starts with us.
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