LPA Off Surigao Del Sur Brings More Rain as Sinulog 2023 Grand Parade Draws Closer

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have issued a warning that a low pressure area (LPA) combined with the effect of the shear line may continue to cause rains in the Visayas region until Monday, January 16, which will continue to affect the Sinulog Grand Parade showdown Cebu South Road Properties (SRP) on January 15.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA was last spotted at a distance of 140 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3 a.m. on Friday.

He said that the large circulation of the LPA may continue to bring rains over parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Northern Mindanao this Friday, and that it will remain almost stationary east of Mindanao, based on the latest track of the LPA.

Estareja added that the shear line, a boundary line where the cold air from the northeast monsoon and warm air from the LPA meeting may continue to enhance the rains brought about by the LPA.

In the next 24 hours, scattered to widespread light to heavy rains may prevail over Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Occidental, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.

According to Estareja, the LPA may move towards Visayas and Mindanao by Saturday, Jan. 14, and continue to cause rains in parts of Southern Luzon, Northern Mindanao, and Visayas.

By Sunday, Jan. 15, he said the LPA might move between the Bicol region and the Visayas. By Monday, Jan. 16, he said that the intrusion of the northeast monsoon, locally called “amihan,” may cause the dissipation of the LPA.

This comes as the Sinulog 2023 Grand Parade and Sinulog Fiesta Day Holy Mass Celebration still be held at the SRP, according to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, much to the dismay of locals and other government officials alike.

Calls to move the annual Sinulog Grand Ritual showdown back to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) have been making rounds on social media since early last week as rains continue to render the reclaimed land at the SRP less conducive for the January 15 Sinulog activities.

Cebu Province Governor Gwendolyn Garcia decided earlier to pull out 10 contingents from Cebu Province should Rama not move the venue for the Sinulog competition back to CCSC.

Moreover, Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said prior to the decision by Garcia that the practice of the Talisay City contingent has been negatively affected by the muddy terrain of the SRP venue, with props being reported broken. (GFB)