Pangasinan Stays Alert for Tropical Depression Bising Despite Rainfall Warning Downgrade

The province of Pangasinan remains on alert for the effects of Tropical Depression Bising and the southwest monsoon (habagat). Despite the downgrade of the rainfall warning hoisted in the province from orange to yellow, Pangasinan continues to monitor the situation closely. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported the changes. Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office's Emergency Operations Center head Pia Flores confirmed the province's blue alert status since Thursday. The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) guidelines have been followed in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive on disaster preparedness. The OCD raised the alert status to Blue Alert and is maintaining 24/7 monitoring in partnership with PAGASA. A blue alert means that various government agencies will be on duty to respond to issues and requests from regional disaster councils and partner agencies. The public is advised to stay alert and follow official updates, according to the OCD. The weather disturbance is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, especially in the western portion and mountainous areas of the province. Precautionary measures are being taken, and advisories are being issued. Twenty-six out of 47 local government units suspended classes on Friday due to expected inclement weather. The heavy rainfall warning system provides real-time forecasts up to the municipal level, utilizing Doppler radar technology for effective decision-making in flood-prone areas. (PNA)