Philippines under monsoon break; afternoon, evening thunderstorms could still bring heavy rains — PAGASA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 15, 2026 09:42 am

The Philippines remains under a monsoon break, a period when the southwest monsoon or “habagat” has no direct effect on the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, June 15.

But while generally fair weather conditions are expected to prevail, PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez warned that thunderstorms developing later in the day could still bring heavy rains and trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.

“Nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng tag-ulan pero ‘yung nararanasan natin ngayon ay ‘yung tinatawag nating monsoon break kung saan walang direktang epekto ang southwest monsoon o habagat sa anumang parte ng ating bansa (We are still in the rainy season, but what we are experiencing now is what we call a monsoon break, wherein the southwest monsoon or habagat has no direct effect on any part of the country),” she said.

Dominguez noted that the easterlies remains the dominant weather system in the country.

“Patuloy pa rin ang pag-iral ng easterlies o ‘yung mainit at maalinsangan na hangin na nanggagaling sa dagat Pasipiko at nakakaapekto sa eastern sections ng Visayas at Mindanao (The easterlies, or warm and humid winds from the Pacific Ocean, continue to affect the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao),” she said.

She added that no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone has been monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Monday morning.

Padre Pio church in Batangas elevated to international shrine status — CBCP

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 4, 2026 12:57 pm

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the second Catholic church in the Philippines to receive international shrine status.

The Vatican has elevated the National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to the status of an international shrine, making it only the second Catholic church in the Philippines to receive the designation, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In a statement on Thursday, June 4, CBCP said the Dicastery for Evangelization issued the decree on May 25, coinciding with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

The designation places the Batangas church among a select group of shrines recognized by the Holy See as sacred places of pilgrimage and worship for the universal Church.

It joins the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City as the only churches in the country to hold international shrine status.

Church officials described the recognition as a historic milestone that is expected to deepen devotion to St. Padre Pio and encourage more pilgrims from the Philippines and abroad to visit the shrine.

“May this historic milestone inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion as we journey together in prayer and thanksgiving,” they said.

Preparations are underway for the formal declaration of the church as an international shrine on Sept. 23, the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

The elevation marks the latest chapter in the growth of the shrine, which was established as a parish in 2003, declared an archdiocesan shrine in 2008, and recognized as a national shrine in 2015.

The Archdiocese of Lipa had earlier expressed its aspiration for the shrine to attain international status.

In the 2024 book “Enlarging the Space of Our Tent,” the archdiocese said the goal reflected its desire to welcome pilgrims from diverse cultures and nationalities and expand its spiritual mission beyond local communities.

The shrine houses several first-class relics of the Italian saint, who was known for bearing the stigmata and for his reported gift of healing.

'Domeng' enters PAR; PAGASA warns of heavy rains from enhanced southwesterly wind flow

 

The cyclone may strengthen the southwesterly winds, leading to prolonged heavy rains over the western section of the country.

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 29, 2026 07:15 am

Tropical Storm Domeng (international name: Jangmi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday, May 29, and is expected to enhance the southwesterly wind flow in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Domeng was estimated at 1,345 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, moving northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

The weather bureau said the cyclone is expected to continue moving generally northwestward until Sunday, May 31, before turning north northwestward to northward.

It is forecast to exit the PAR by Monday, June 1.

PAGASA said Domeng may further intensify and reach typhoon category while remaining over the Philippine Sea before gradually weakening afterward.

Based on its forecast track, the hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signals over Extreme Northern Luzon remains less likely, although not ruled out.

While Domeng is unlikely to make landfall, PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said its trough or extension may still bring cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas and Caraga over the weekend.

The cyclone may also strengthen the southwesterly winds, leading to prolonged heavy rains over the western section of the country.

The southwesterly wind flow, described as the initial surge of the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, and Palawan.

“Doble ingat dahil posible po ito magdala ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa (Exercise double caution as this may bring flooding and landslides),” Loreto warned.

Despite the weather disturbance, PAGASA said warm and humid conditions will persist across most of Luzon.

“Other parts of the country naman po kahit may bagyo po tayo ay magiging mainit pa rin at maalinsangan lalong-lalo na po sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon. So meron pa rin tayong matataas na heat index ngayong araw (In other parts of the country, even with a storm, conditions will still be hot and humid, especially across much of Luzon. High heat index levels are still expected today),” Loreto said.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, although flash floods or landslides remain possible during severe thunderstorms.

Storm trough, southwesterly wind flow drench parts of VisMin, Palawan

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 28, 2026 09:35 am

At A Glance

• The tropical storm with the international name "Jangmi" was located 1,195 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m.
• Once it enters PAR between Thursday evening and Friday morning, the cyclone will be given the local name "Domeng."
• PAGASA said the weather disturbance currently has a low chance of making landfall in the country but may enhance the southwesterly wind flow.

Satellite image (Courtesy of PAGASA)

The trough or extension of a tropical storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and the prevailing southwesterly wind flow continued to bring rains over large parts of the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan on Thursday, May 28, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Over the next 24 hours, PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may prevail over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Palawan due to the southwesterly wind flow.

The rest of Mindanao may also experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the trough of the tropical storm.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the tropical storm with the international name “Jangmi” was located 1,195 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m.

The weather disturbance was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph while moving north-northwestward at 20 kph.

Once it enters PAR, the cyclone will be given the local name “Domeng.”

“Base na rin sa track na ipinalabas natin kagabi sa ating tropical cyclone advisory, mabagal ang pagkilos niya over the past few hours. At sa mga susunod na araw ay medyo may kabagalan pa dahil nagko-consolidate pa at lumalakas pa ito at lalo na’t malakas din ang high-pressure area na nakakahadlang sa kanya upang ito ay kumilos pa-northwestward (Based on the track we released last night in our tropical cyclone advisory, its movement has been slow over the past few hours. In the coming days, it may continue moving slowly as it is still consolidating and intensifying, especially with the strong high-pressure area preventing it from moving northwestward),” de la Cruz-Galicia said.

“Pero most likely ay papasok ito ng area of responsibility likely between tonight o bukas ng umaga. Posible pumasok ‘yan as tropical storm or severe tropical storm (But most likely it will enter the area of responsibility between tonight and tomorrow morning. It may enter as a tropical storm or severe tropical storm),” she added.

De la Cruz-Galicia said the cyclone may further intensify while inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

It could reach its peak intensity over the Philippine Sea and become a typhoon before exiting PAR by Monday, June 1, she said.

Despite the projected intensification, PAGASA said the weather disturbance currently has a low chance of making landfall in the country but may enhance the southwesterly wind flow.

“Dahil nakikita natin na mababa ang tsansa na mag-landfall ito sa anumang bahagi ng bansa, ang scenario nito ay ma-eenhance niya ‘yung southwesterly wind flow at ‘yung southwesterly wind flow ang magdudulot ng malawakang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao, pati sa Southern Luzon, lalong-lalo na starting by weekend hanggang early next week (Because we are seeing a low chance of landfall in any part of the country, the scenario is that it may enhance the southwesterly wind flow, which will bring widespread rains over large parts of the Visayas, some parts of Mindanao, and Southern Luzon, especially starting this weekend until early next week),” de la Cruz-Galicia said.

“Ngayon may mga ulan na dulot ng southwesterly wind flow pero inaasahan nating madadagdagan pa ang mga makakaranas ng mga pag-ulan lalong-lalo na by weekend hanggang early next week dahil sa enhanced southwesterly wind flow (There are already rains being experienced due to the southwesterly wind flow, but we expect more areas to experience rainfall, especially by the weekend until early next week because of the enhanced southwesterly wind flow),” she added.

Hot days, rainy afternoons to persist nationwide — PAGASA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 18, 2026 10:20 am

At A Glance

• Despite the increasing occurrence of thunderstorms, hot weather remains the dominant condition in most parts of the country.

Scorching and humid conditions will continue across most of the country this week, although more areas may experience isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms that could bring sudden heavy rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, May 18.

PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect Southern Mindanao, while easterlies prevail over the Visayas and the rest of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms are affecting Luzon as daytime heat causes rain clouds to form.

The ITCZ is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen, where moderate to, at times, heavy rains may trigger flash floods or landslides.

Aurelio said the ITCZ is expected to continue affecting Mindanao until Tuesday, May 19, before gradually moving away from the country by Wednesday, May 20.

By then, easterlies, or warm and humid winds from the Pacific Ocean, are expected to become the dominant weather system nationwide.

Despite the increasing occurrence of thunderstorms, Aurelio said hot weather remains the dominant condition in most parts of the country.

“Asahan ang maganda at maaliwalas na panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng bansa pero mataas ang chance na magkaroon ng thunderstorm sa hapon o sa gabi na kung saan nagdadala ito ng biglaang buhos na ulan (Generally fair weather is expected in most parts of the country, but there remains a high chance of afternoon or evening thunderstorms that may bring sudden downpours),” Aurelio said.

High heat index levels continued to be recorded nationwide on Sunday, May 17, with Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Baler, Aurora; Sangley Point, Cavite; and Cuyo, Palawan all reaching 45 degrees Celsius.

In Metro Manila, the heat index ranged from 40 to 43 degrees Celsius.

For Monday, PAGASA forecast a heat index of up to 45 degrees Celsius in Coron and Cuyo in Palawan, as well as San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Metro Manila may experience heat index levels ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA classifies heat index values between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius under the “danger” category, as prolonged exposure may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Aurelio added that there is no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Monday.

'Caloy' may weaken into a remnant low in the coming hours — PAGASA

 Fair weather to persist; LPA outside PAR unlikely to become cyclone

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 10, 2026 07:33 am

The weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, May 10, with Tropical Storm Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Tropical Storm “Caloy” (international name: Hagupit) is expected to gradually weaken as it continues moving over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, May 10.

PAGASA said the center of Caloy was estimated at 910 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 4 a.m., moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised, as Caloy is unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period.

She said the weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, with Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Despite remaining far from the Philippine landmass, the trough or extension of the weather disturbance may bring rains over Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes by Tuesday, May 12, Torres said.

By Wednesday and Thursday, May 13 and 14, weather conditions in these areas may improve.

Meanwhile, Torres said generally fair weather with isolated afternoon or evening rain showers and thunderstorms is expected across the rest of the country in the next three to five days due to the prevailing easterlies.

PAGASA is also monitoring a new low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which was located 2,705 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of Sunday morning.

Torres said the LPA has a very low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and is not expected to enter PAR.

In its 24-hour sea condition outlook, PAGASA warned of moderate seas over several coastal waters.

Waves of up to 2.5 meters may affect the eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands; the seaboards of Batanes; the western seaboard of Babuyan Islands; and the northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, waves of up to 2 meters may prevail over the remaining seaboards of Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboards of Cagayan, Isabela, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental; and the northern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Northern Samar.

Mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels were advised to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid venturing out to sea.

PAGASA sees slim chance of tropical cyclone developing until early April

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Mar 26, 2026 01:57 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, March 25 said the likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) remains low through the first week of April.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said fair weather is expected across most parts of the country, which means no prolonged rainfall.

He added that the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will be the dominant weather system in the country until the weekend.

Scattered rains and thunderstorms were expected on Wednesday over Bicol Region, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

The rest of the country were seen to experience clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

On Thursday, March 26, scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect Caraga, Davao Region, and nearby areas, while the rest of the country will have clear to, at times, cloudy skies apart from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

From Friday to Sunday, March 27 to 29, generally fair weather is expected across the country, with only isolated rain showers or thunderstorms possible in Mindanao and the eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas.

Senior citizens' pension payouts to require National ID starting April 1

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Mar 14, 2026 10:23 am

DSWD PHOTO

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will start using the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), or National ID, as the primary identification for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens beginning April 1.

Senior citizens who have not yet registered with PhilSys are encouraged to sign up at the nearest office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

To make the process easier for beneficiaries, PhilSys registration will also be conducted during scheduled pension payout activities.

For bedridden senior citizens who are unable to travel, PSA personnel will conduct home visits to facilitate their registration.

The SocPen program provides a monthly stipend of P1,000 to indigent Filipinos aged 60 and above who are frail, sickly, or living with disabilities, and who have no regular income, pension, or financial support from their families.

Under Republic Act No. 11916, or the law increasing the social pension of senior citizens, the monthly stipend for indigent elderly beneficiaries was doubled from P500 to P1,000.

The law lapsed into effect in July 2022, with the increased pension implemented starting January 2024.

Qualified beneficiaries receive their stipend on a quarterly basis.

In 2025, a total of 4,113,050 indigent senior citizens received their social pension from the DSWD, exceeding the original target of 4,085,066 beneficiaries.

PAGASA issues heavy rainfall warning due to shear line

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Feb 19, 2026 10:33 am

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, Feb. 19, issued a heavy rainfall warning as the shear line intensified following a fresh surge of the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan.”

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the shear line, formed by the collision of cold winds from the northeast monsoon and warm winds from the easterlies, is bringing 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall, classified as moderate to heavy, to several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

On Thursday, moderate to heavy rains are expected over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

The rest of Caraga and Davao regions, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi may also experience rain showers due to the shear line.

By Friday, Feb. 20, moderate to heavy rainfall may persist over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

PAGASA warned of possible localized flooding, especially in urbanized, low-lying, and river-adjacent areas. Landslides are also possible in highly susceptible areas.

Meanwhile, the amihan may bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and Quezon over the next 24 hours.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and the Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to the amihan.

The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorm activity.

De la Cruz-Galicia said no gale warning is currently in effect, thus small boats and other sea vessels are safe to sail.

She also said no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Thursday.

'Amihan' season is here — PAGASA

 Photo from Pixabay

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 27, 2025 06:24 pm

Time to dust off those jackets as the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” season officially begins in the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Oct. 27 declared the onset of the amihan season, following the intensification of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has pushed cool northeasterly winds to reach the northern Philippines.

“Over the past few days, observations have indicated the strengthening of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has caused a surge of northeasterly winds over extreme Northern Luzon,” PAGASA said in its advisory.

The weather bureau added that increasing atmospheric pressure, the cooling of surroundings, and other meteorological conditions “indicate the start of the northeast monsoon season.”

PAGASA said the amihan is expected to become more dominant in most parts of the country, bringing cool and dry air and occasional cold temperature surges.

It also warned that successive monsoon surges over the next two weeks may result in rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

The amihan season generally begins in late October or early November and lasts until early March, while the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season typically starts in the latter half of May or early June and persists until October.

Prayer, rest top stress relievers for Filipinos — SWS

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 24, 2025 08:40 am

For many Filipinos, coping with life’s daily pressures begins with a quiet prayer or a much-needed rest.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from Sept. 24 to 30 found that praying or engaging in spiritual activities is the most common way Filipinos deal with stress, cited by 16 percent of 1,500 adult respondents nationwide.

Resting or sleeping ranked second at 14 percent, followed by going out or taking leisure trips at 11 percent.

Other ways of coping included thinking positively (7 percent), focusing on work or school and ignoring problems (6 percent each), spending time with family and exercising or going for a walk (5 percent each), and engaging in leisure or social activities such as playing sports or online games, doing household chores, talking with friends or neighbors, watching television or movies, eating, and singing or listening to music (4 percent each).

A smaller share of respondents said they scroll on social media or drink alcohol (2 percent each), while very few mentioned gardening or farming and smoking cigarettes (1 percent each), crying (0.4 percent), or seeking medical help (0.2 percent).

SWS said women were found to rely on prayer more than men when managing stress.

Twenty percent of women said they turn to prayer or spiritual activities to cope, while men were more inclined to rest (14 percent).

Among female respondents, rest or sleep was the next most common stress reliever (14 percent), followed by thinking positively (7 percent).

Meanwhile, men were more likely to cope by getting rest or sleep (14 percent), followed by going out (13 percent) and praying (12 percent).

SWS also said that prayer was the dominant response in Balance Luzon (19 percent) and Metro Manila (16 percent), while rest and sleep were the top choices in Mindanao (19 percent) and the Visayas (15 percent).

The Third Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 in Metro Manila, 600 in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in the Visayas and Mindanao.

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Feeling stressed? You're not alone, survey shows more Filipinos do

 By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 9, 2025 08:44 pm

Photo from Pixabay

As the world observes World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, a nationwide survey shows that more Filipinos are living under daily stress as they cope with financial, health, work, and family pressures.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) Third Quarter 2025 survey found that 34 percent of adult Filipinos experience stress “frequently” in their daily lives, up from 27 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019, just before the pandemic.

Another 32 percent said they “sometimes” feel stressed (down from 37 percent in 2019), 30 percent “rarely” (down from 34 percent), and 4 percent “never” experience stress (roughly unchanged from 2 percent).

The survey also examined the magnitude of stress related to specific aspects of daily life.

Financial concerns ranked highest, with 53 percent of respondents reporting “big” stress (very big or somewhat big).

Health-related issues affected 42 percent of adults, 39 percent reported stress from work or school, and 38 percent experienced stress from family matters.

Metro Manila reports highest stress levels

SWS found that 50 percent of adults in Metro Manila said they experience stress frequently, the highest among all regions.

This was followed by Balance Luzon (36 percent), Mindanao (28 percent), and the Visayas (26 percent).

Compared to fourth quarter 2019, the share of adults experiencing frequent stress rose sharply in Metro Manila, up 15 points from 35 percent.

It also increased in Balance Luzon by eight points (from 28 percent) and in Mindanao by 10 points (from 18 percent).

The Visayas saw little change, remaining at 28 percent.

For those who experience stress sometimes, Balance Luzon had the highest share at 34 percent, down from 38 percent in fourth quarter 2019.

It was followed by Mindanao with 32 percent (down from 41 percent), the Visayas with 31 percent (up from 29 percent), and Metro Manila with 27 percent (down from 38 percent).

Those who rarely experience stress were most common in the Visayas and Mindanao, with 37 percent each (down from 41 percent and 36 percent, respectively).

Balance Luzon had 27 percent (down from 33 percent), and Metro Manila 19 percent (down from 25 percent).

Meanwhile, the share of adults who never experience stress was highest in the Visayas at 6 percent (up from 2 percent), followed by Balance Luzon at 4 percent (up from 2 percent), while Metro Manila and Mindanao recorded 3 percent each, remaining largely unchanged from 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Women report higher stress than men

The survey also found that women are more likely to experience stress frequently than men.

About 41 percent of women reported feeling stressed daily, compared to 27 percent of men.

Since fourth quarter of 2019, the share of women reporting frequent stress increased by eight points, while it rose by seven points for men.

Women also reported higher levels of stress across all major areas, including finances, health, work or school, and family responsibilities.

On financial matters, 57 percent of women reported experiencing big stress (24 percent very big, 34 percent somewhat big), compared to 48 percent of men (18 percent very big, 30 percent somewhat big).

Regarding health-related stress, 46 percent of women considered it big (18 percent very big, 29 percent somewhat big), versus 38 percent of men (12 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big).

In terms of family-related stress, 44 percent of women reported big stress (16 percent very big, 28 percent somewhat big), compared to 32 percent of men (12 percent very big, 20 percent somewhat big).

For stress from work or school, 40 percent of women considered it big (14 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big), slightly higher than 38 percent of men (12 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big).

The Third Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey was conducted from Sept. 24 to 30, through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide, aged 18 and above.

The sample included 300 respondents in Metro Manila, 600 in Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The survey has a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±4 percent for Balance Luzon, and ±6 percent for each of the other regions.

PAGASA: Up to four cyclones may form or enter PAR in October

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 28, 2025 09:30 am

PAGASA

Two to four tropical cyclones may enter or form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in October, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The cyclones that may develop next month will be given the names Paolo, Quedan, Ramil, and Salome.

Based on climatological records, cyclones in October usually follow one of four historical paths.

Some form in the western Pacific, enter PAR, and recurve toward the northeastern section without making landfall before moving on to Japan or Korea.

Others make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon and continue northwest toward Hong Kong or China.

Some traverse Central or Southern Luzon on their way to Vietnam, while others cross the Visayas before also heading toward Vietnam.

PAGASA: Moon to turn blood red for 1 hour 22 minutes during September 8 eclipse

 

A total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red glow over the Moon in the early hours of September 8, 2025, as seen from across the Philippines. The celestial event will reach maximum eclipse at 2:12 a.m. (PAGASA)

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 1, 2025 01:12 pm

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Philippines in the early hours of Sept. 8, with the Moon expected to glow a deep red for about one hour and 22 minutes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The event will begin late on Sept. 7 at 11:27 p.m., when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbral shadow. The partial eclipse phase starts at 12:27 a.m. on Sept. 8, gradually darkening the Moon.

Totality, which is the period when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s umbra and appears blood red, will last from 1:30 a.m. to 2:53 a.m. It spans one hour, 22 minutes, and 54 seconds.

The maximum eclipse will occur at 2:12 a.m.

PAGASA said the astronomical event will conclude at 4:57 a.m. when the Moon completely exits Earth’s penumbral shadow.

PAGASA’s Astronomical Observation and Time Service Unit chief Mario Raymundo explained that the reddish tint is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere, which casts a red glow on the Moon’s surface during the eclipse.

“This total lunar eclipse will last approximately one hour and 22 minutes, which is quite long for this type of event,” Raymundo said in an interview.

He added that the longest total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines lasted one hour and 40 minutes, recorded in 1953.

Raymundo described the chances of clearly seeing this month’s eclipse as somewhat “suntok sa buwan” (a long shot), since it coincides with the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season, which often brings cloudy skies and rain.

Still, weather permitting, the total lunar eclipse will be visible across most parts of the country.

Unlike solar eclipses, total lunar eclipses are safe to watch without special equipment. While binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, they are not necessary.

The public is encouraged to find a dark area with a clear view of the sky to fully appreciate the celestial event.

Raymundo added that PAGASA will open its Astronomical Observatory in Quezon City to the public for eclipse viewing on the evening of Sept. 7.

The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines is expected on March 3, 2026.

LPA enters PAR, may bring rains in coming days — PAGASA

 

A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Monday evening, Aug. 4, and may bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas in the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Aug 5, 2025 09:12 am

PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the LPA was located 895 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 3 a.m.

She added that the weather disturbance has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Dominguez said two possible scenarios are being monitored. Either the LPA will make a close approach to Luzon before veering northwest and moving away from the country, or it will cross the Luzon landmass.

“Anumang scenario ang mangyari dito ay inaasahan natin magdadala pa rin ng mga pag-ulan itong LPA sa Luzon at Eastern Visayas (Whichever scenario occurs, we still expect the LPA to bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas),” she said, adding that rains are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a monsoon break persists, as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” has little to no effect on most of the country.

For the next 24 hours, generally fair weather is expected, although localized thunderstorms remain possible, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA still advised the public to remain alert for possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

LPA outside northern boundary of PAR may develop into tropical cyclone — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 31, 2025 05:50 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, July 31 said a low-pressure area (LPA) just outside the northern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said the LPA was first monitored on Thursday morning.

As of 4 p.m., the weather disturbance was located 955 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.

Although it is not expected to directly affect the country at present, Loreto said the weather system may briefly enter the PAR before moving out again.

If the LPA intensifies into a tropical cyclone within the PAR, it will be named “Fabian.”

Loreto also noted that based on historical data, two to three tropical cyclones enter or form within the PAR during August.

Meanwhile, cloud clusters east of Mindanao are being closely monitored for potential development into a tropical cyclone.

The southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to affect Central and Northern Luzon but is expected to gradually weaken in the coming days, bringing improved weather conditions.

In the next 24 hours, Loreto said residents of Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pampanga can expect cloudy skies with scattered monsoon rains and thunderstorms, accompanied by moderate to occasionally heavy rains that could trigger flash floods or landslides.

Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and Visayas will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the habagat, while Mindanao will have similar conditions brought by localized thunderstorms.

Cyclone-enhanced 'habagat' rainfall makes up a third of total rain during Philippines' southwest monsoon season — study

 (SANTI SAN JUAN/MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 18, 2025 03:28 pm

While the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” remains the main source of rain from July to September, scientists say the “indirect” effect of distant tropical cyclones accounts for about a third of total rainfall during this season.

Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU); Manila Observatory; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and Japanese partner institutions analyzed 62 years of weather data and found that tropical cyclones hundreds of kilometers away can strengthen the habagat, resulting in heavy rains, even without making landfall.

On average, 33.1 percent of rainfall during the habagat season is attributed to this “indirect” effect, more than twice the 15.4 percent caused by tropical cyclones that directly hit the country.

The remaining 51.5 percent comes from the monsoon itself, without tropical cyclone influence.

Cyclone origin matters

The study pointed out that the cyclone’s genesis point, or location where a tropical cyclone forms, also affects its potential to enhance rainfall.

Tropical cyclones that form farther from the Philippines tend to move northeast of Luzon, where they more effectively intensify monsoon winds.

In contrast, cyclones that form closer often take a shorter westward track and have a weaker effect.

“During the peak months of the southwest monsoon season, from July to September, the prevailing winds over the Philippines are from the southwest. In itself, these moisture-laden southwesterly winds can still produce isolated rainfall events over land,” explained Dr. Lyndon Mark Olaguera, assistant professor at AdMU’s Department of Physics and climate scientist at the Manila Observatory.

“When a tropical cyclone passes to the northeast of the Philippines, these southwesterly winds intensify since the tropical cyclone can pull these winds as a result of its counterclockwise circulation. Stronger southwesterly winds usually mean more intense rainfall over land,” he said.

Most at risk

The researchers cited Typhoon Gaemi (locally known as Super Typhoon Carina) in July 2024 as an example of a tropical cyclone that stayed well away from the Philippine landmass but significantly enhanced the habagat.

During that event, Quezon City received nearly a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours, resulting in floods that killed 48 people and caused over P8 billion in damages.

Olaguera said the western coast of Luzon is particularly vulnerable to indirect cyclone rains.

“This is because winds from the enhanced southwest monsoon are from the southwest; therefore, the western coast is the region that gets affected the most,” he explained.

“Additionally, the high mountains near the western coast of Luzon, like the Cordillera Mountains and the Zambales mountain range, force these moist, southwesterly winds upwards as they flow over the mountains. When these winds are forced upwards, they cool and condense, thus producing rainfall,” he said.

Forecasting challenges

While direct landfalling cyclones remain deadlier, Olaguera emphasized the need to pay closer attention to the impacts of cyclone-enhanced monsoon events.

“More importance should be given to tropical cyclones that enhance the southwest monsoon since the rainfall experienced during these indirect events is comparable to the rainfall experienced during direct tropical cyclone events,” he said.

He noted that indirect effects are harder to predict, as not all distant cyclones enhance the monsoon enough to cause extreme rainfall.

“More research should be done in order to increase the forecast accuracy of these enhanced southwest monsoon events,” he added.

Recommendations

To improve early warning systems, Olaguera recommended expanding the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) westward and northward to include more tropical cyclones that can affect the country’s weather even from afar.

“Extending the northern border to 30°N will include regions where tropical cyclones are still able to produce rainfall over the Philippines. An example is Typhoon Haikui (2012), since it produced extreme rainfall over the Philippines despite being around the latitudes of 26-28°N,” he said.

He also cited Typhoon Danas (2025), which briefly exited the PAR but still caused rainfall over Luzon while located outside the current monitoring zone.

He also recommended the monitoring of moisture flows originating from as far as west, such as the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal, which could help in the forecasting of enhanced southwest monsoon events.

PAGASA: Brace for strong winds, heavy rains due to 'Crising', 'habagat'

 

SATELLITE IMAGE OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION CRISING (PAGASA)

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 16, 2025 06:32 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Wednesday, July 16, that tropical depression “Crising” may bring strong winds and heavy rains as it moves closer to Northern Luzon, while the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to affect large parts of the country.

As of 5 p.m., Crising was spotted 625 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving west-southwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph.

PAGASA said Crising is expected to move generally westward over the next 12 hours before shifting northwestward by Thursday afternoon, July 17.

It may either pass close to or make landfall over mainland Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands between Friday evening, July 18, and early Saturday morning, July 19.

In a press conference on Wednesday, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando warned the public not to dismiss the potential impacts of Crising.

“While Crising may not be a strong typhoon, we must not underestimate the hazards it may bring, especially the combined effects of the tropical cyclone with the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat,” Servando said.

“Pinapayuhan natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging alerto dahil ang bagyong ito ay posibleng magbibigay ng mga malalakas na mga pag-ulan—moderate to heavy rains—na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha sa mga mababang lugar at landslides sa mga bulubunduking lugar. Even in areas that are not directly in the path of the tropical depression Crising ay maaari pa ring maapektuhan dahil sa epekto ng enhanced southwest monsoon (We advise our fellow Filipinos to stay alert, as this storm may bring moderate to heavy rains, which could result in flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions. Even areas not directly in the path of tropical depression Crising may still be affected due to the influence of the enhanced southwest monsoon),” he added.

Servando advised the public to stay alert and closely monitor official bulletins and advisories to be issued by PAGASA.

The weather bureau also said Crising is likely to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday morning and may strengthen further into a severe tropical storm by Friday afternoon or evening.

Intensification to typhoon status prior to its approach to Northern Luzon is also possible.

Wind signals

PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over portions of Cagayan Valley as early as Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

If Crising maintains its current westward movement or increases its radius, Signal No. 1 may also be raised over Catanduanes.

The highest wind signals that could be raised during Crising’s passage are Signal No. 3 or 4, depending on its development and proximity to land.

Rainfall, wind forecasts

Heavy rainfall associated with tropical depression Crising, combined with the habagat, is expected to bring widespread rain and possible flooding in affected areas.

From Wednesday to Thursday, moderate to heavy (50-100 mm) rainfall is forecast over Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, heavy to intense (100-200 mm) rainfall may affect Catanduanes, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Negros Occidental.

Moderate to heavy rainfall may persist in Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

From Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon, heavy to intense precipitation may prevail over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains may continue to affect Isabela, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Metro Manila, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

PAGASA warned that rainfall could be heavier in mountainous and elevated areas, and antecedent rainfall in some areas may worsen the impacts.

PAGASA also warned that strong to gale-force winds from the habagat will affect several areas over the coming days.

Gusty conditions are expected in Palawan, Siquijor, Bohol, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands on Wednesday; expanding to Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental on Thursday; and further reaching Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and nearby areas on Friday.

Sea conditions

Coastal waters are expected to experience rough seas, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters along the western seaboard of Palawan, northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, and other areas including Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, and Davao Region.

Moderate seas up to 2 meters are forecast in parts of Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Negros Occidental, and Northern and Eastern Samar.

Mariners of small vessels are advised to exercise caution or avoid venturing out to sea.

PAGASA said Crising is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday afternoon or evening.

PAGASA: LPA, 'habagat' to drench most of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 3, 2025 06:46 am

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Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in several areas over the coming days due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) east of Northern Luzon and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, July 3.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 125 kilometers east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, moving northwestward. 

While the probability of its development into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours has decreased from high to moderate, PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the weather disturbance may still intensify in the coming days.

Should it develop into a tropical depression while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it will be given the local name “Bising.”

Dominguez said the LPA is expected to approach extreme Northern Luzon and bring scattered rains, particularly over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, the habagat continues to affect Central and Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.

In its Weather Advisory No. 5 issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA reported that moderate to heavy rainfall (50–100 mm) is expected on Thursday over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte due to the LPA.

Rainfall is forecast to persist through Saturday, with rainfall forecasts of up to 100 mm on Friday, July 4, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and Abra, and on Saturday, July 5, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.

The habagat is also expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday.

Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms, while the rest of the country can expect isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

By Friday, heavier monsoon rains of up to 200 mm (intense) are forecast for Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas may receive 50–100 mm of rainfall.

On Saturday, continued habagat rains are expected over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

PAGASA warned that rainfall could be more intense in mountainous or elevated areas, and that persistent rains over the past few days may increase the risk of flooding and landslides.

Residents, local governments, and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

Dominguez also noted that a tropical storm with the international name “Mun” remains outside PAR, approximately 2,500 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. 

She said the weather disturbance poses no direct threat to the country.

Rainy first day of classes in parts of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 15, 2025 09:49 am

Students returning to school on Monday, June 16, are advised to bring umbrellas and rain gear as parts of the country are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina on Sunday, June 15 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to affect parts of Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to these areas.

However, he noted that rainfall may gradually lessen in the coming days.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, resulting in the formation of rain clouds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be affected by easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, which are expected to bring generally fair weather conditions.

Badrina added that skies will be mostly clear due to the temporary weakening of the southwest monsoon (habagat), but isolated thunderstorms remain likely.

He also noted that no tropical cyclone is expected to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next few days.

Despite the fair weather in some areas, Badrina advised students and commuters to remain prepared, as localized thunderstorms may still bring rain showers, particularly in the early morning, afternoon, and evening, in various parts of the country.