New LPA enters, may intensify – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines —  A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday and may intensify into a tropical depression within three days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 3 p.m., the LPA was located 855 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon. It is expected to move northwest and gradually approach Northern and Central Luzon by Friday or Saturday.

If the weather system strengthens, it will be named Isang, the country’s fourth storm this month.

The LPA is within the intertropical convergence zone, which is bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Palawan and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Aurora, Bicol, Mindoro, Romblon and Marinduque will also experience rain today.

PAGASA warned of possible floods and landslides, especially in areas with prolonged or heavy downpours.

By tomorrow until Saturday, heavy rains are forecast over Northern and Central Luzon as the LPA nears landmass. Its presence is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing more rain over western sections of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The system is projected to exit PAR by Sunday toward southern China.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains are expected in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas, while thunderstorms may still occur in Mindanao due to the southwest monsoon.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila, 18 to 25 degrees Celsius in Baguio City and up to 34 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao.

The public is advised to monitor advisories and remain alert for possible floods and landslides.

Vaccine procurement

To prevent a possible surge in rainy season diseases, the Bayan Bakuna group of health advocates has called on the government to expedite the procurement of vaccines and the rollout of vaccination programs.

The group expressed concern that contracts for the procurement of several vaccines, including measles rubella, tetanus-diphtheria, pneumococcal and influenza, remain unawarded or are still undergoing rebidding.

Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Dr. Mikaella Jeleene Asoy noted that as of January, only 61 percent of eligible children have been fully immunized. The figure is way below the 95 percent target for the country to achieve herd immunity.

The World Health Organization, Asoy said, has already flagged the Philippines for the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Asoy said the 2,068 measles cases from January to May in the country are “a clear reflection  of systematic gaps, including procurement delays.”

“Timely vaccine delivery is critical to keeping our communities protected,” Asoy said. – Mayen Jaymalin