5 days ago
UST baccalaureate mass rescheduled to May 31 due to heavy rain
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has announced that the Baccalaureate Mass, originally scheduled for May 30, has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. due to inclement weather.
The Office of the Secretary-General issued the advisory late Friday afternoon as rains, brought on by the start of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), continued to drench Metro Manila.
"We wish everyone a safe way home," the statement read.
The Baccalaureate Mass is a long-standing tradition at UST, serving as a solemn sendoff for graduating students. The rescheduling aims to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
The unexpected weather coincided with the official announcement from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), declaring the start of the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat.
'Recent weather analysis has shown the persistence of low-level southwesterly winds over the western section of Luzon and the Frontal System over Extreme Northern Luzon. These developments indicate the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon in the Philippines,' PAGASA said in its May 30 bulletin.
As Habagat takes hold, more frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected across the western parts of the country, including Metro Manila, where UST is located.
PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flash floods and rain-induced landslides, particularly during intense rainfall.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
