ILOILO – With up to 19 tropical cyclones projected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility between June and November, this province is ramping up its disaster preparedness efforts.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Iloilo revealed during a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting on May 30 that 11 to 19 tropical cyclones are expected this rainy season.
Weather Forecaster Jeff Patrick J. Maquiling detailed that one or two storms may form in June; two or three in each of the months of July, August, and November; and two to four in both September and October.
In response, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who presided over the meeting at the Governor’s Boardroom, directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to conduct an inventory of available disaster response assets from both the provincial and municipal levels to ensure timely deployment during emergencies.
“We must anticipate worst-case scenarios,” Defensor stressed, emphasizing the need for readiness even in areas not directly hit by past storms.
The PDRRMO also released a situational report summarizing the impact of seven significant weather disturbances that affected the country in 2024. Although none made direct landfall in Iloilo, all 43 municipalities in the province were placed on alert and submitted situation reports, highlighting a strong culture of coordination and early response.
“Let us learn from these events and strengthen our disaster risk reduction efforts across all levels,” the PDRRMO reminded the public, reinforcing the call for sustained vigilance.
The compilation included storm names, dates, and affected areas, serving as a community reference to raise awareness and institutional memory as the province faces another potentially active typhoon season./PN
