The municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines together with PAGASA Central Office organized activities to celebrate the World Meteorological Day from 22-24 March 2006. This is part of the local government's effort to raise awareness on and appreciation of the use of climate information for risk reduction.

Over the two-day celebration, PAGASA staff gave lectures about the science of weather and climate prediction, basic methodologies of monitoring rainfall intensity, and the role of the community in mitigating hydro-meteorological hazards. The lectures were attended by government officials, municipal staff, and members of the community (e.g. school principal) who will be directly responsible for monitoring river and rainfall levels. Dumangas, together with PAGASA, is in the process of establishing a community-based flood forecasting system. PAGASA is guiding the municipality in conducting the preparatory activities such as installing rain gauges but the municipality of Dumangas will eventually take full responsibility in maintaining and operating the network of rain gauges. (With reports from Anthony Lucero, PAGASA)