Five Things Professionals in Metro Manila Must Possess to Survive the Rainy Season

The Philippines stands as the first gate of typhoons originating from the Pacific, catching the brunt of the nature’s blow. As they pass through the Philippine archipelago often starting June, sometimes intensified by monsoons, these hurricanes carry torrential rain and whipping wind, which eventually bring about severe flood just hours after landfall. In these natural phenomena, the center of commerce Metro Manila frequently emerges as the bull’s eye area of the barrage, triggering widespread challenges to residents across the metropolis. All these said, how can professionals situated in Metro Manila survive and carry on their daily work engagement? There are five things these urban professionals must keep to get by the wet season.

The first item in the survival kit of metropolis-based professionals is a pair of boots. As numerous spots in Metro Manila get immersed in flood water in no time during heavy rain, having this footwear allows professionals to pass through flooded roads as they head to jeepney terminals, bus stops, and train stations on their way to and from the office without letting their formal shoes get drenched in puddles. More importantly, boots avert the possibility of catching leptospirosis, a lethal infection that’s contracted from exposure to rodents’ urine. This disease is a major scare in Metro Manila when flood takes place as sewer rats infest various parts of the area, stemming from the residents’ irresponsible waste disposal.

a pair of boots

The second must-have for Metro Manila employees is a power bank. The Philippine electrical system operates on elevated wiring, which entails conductors and transformers situated on posts and towers. Because of their exposed position, these electrical components are susceptible to damages brought about by wind strikes and lightning. During the onslaught of typhoons, power interruption in different areas in the metropolis frequently occurs as a result of jolts to the structure. It is therefore wise for professionals to possess a power bank to ensure that their cellular phones live longer, thereby keeping the owners on board the digital community, where news and advisories are disseminated through social media and groups chats.

a power bank

Another object to keep in times of rain in the metro is insect repellant. Heavy rain causes disturbance in the hideouts of mosquitoes and other harmful insects, leading these pests to go out and look for new habitat. As they fly out, they mingle with humans, exposing the latter to insect bite. Dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and allergic reactions are some these insects can inflict to humans. Ergo, insect repellent comes as a handy preventive tool to keep at bay pesky insects that cause such diseases.

insect repellent

Although petty and cheap they may seem, plastic bags are highly useful in getting through the wet season. They are formidable in keeping important things from raindrops, such as spare clothes, crucial documents, cellphones, laptops, and medicines. Stocking some plastic bags inside the bag helps anyone survive lashing rain until he reaches his destination, either home or the office.

plastic bags

The last thing to include in an urban professional’s survival kit is a strong, reliable internet connection. Staying connected to the internet makes one on the loop in important circles of information, such as group chats at work, which cascades necessary work adjustments in relation to the weather. More importantly, keeping a steady internet connection enables one to monitor his family and friends, especially about their whereabouts and the weather condition in their location. Of highest significance as regards securing an internet connection is being able to check on the latest government announcements relative to the inclement weather, such as submerged roads, terrible traffic buildup, work and class suspension, free rides, aid, and emergency hotlines, among others. These things said, it is prudent to determine the strongest and most reliable internet service provider in the areas where one is working and residing.

WiFi

Notice that umbrella, raincoat, and cap were not included in the enumeration above as these three, especially umbrella, are by no means an integral, no-brainer part of an urban professional’s daily pack.

Since the Philippines is a top-of-the-list destination of an array of typhoons beginning midyear, a set of objects must be kept inside an urban professional’s bag daily in order to get through the rainy season. Boots, power bank, insect repellent, plastic bags, and secured internet connection—these are among the essential components of a wise professional’s survival kit as he makes his way to and from his work in Metro Manila. With these, anyone reduces the rainy season from a total nightmare to a mere challenging part of the year.