DoST Secretary Estrella Alabastro said the agency "hopes to broaden the function" of the Community-Based Rainfall Observation Network (CBRON) "in monitoring critical levels of rainfall that may cause flashfloods, which may also be applied for possible early warning of rain-induced landslides."

"Though still in the development stage, such a warning system may, in the future, prevent the tragic loss of life similar to the St. Bernard, Southern Leyte incident," she said.

PAGASA Climatology and Agrometeorology chief Dr. Flaviana Hilario earlier said the country must prepare for the onset of three to four tropical cyclones that would enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), particularly during the second half of May.

"During the onset of the rainy season that is expected to occur in the second half of May, it is expected to be associated with tropical cyclone activities, strong monsoon winds, and localized thunderstorms," she said.

Hilario, however, said there is a possibility of a monsoon break "following several days of rain at the onset of the rainy season."

The Climatology and Agrometeorology chief, meanwhile, said that most of the whole country had received above normal rainfall for the month, particularly the areas in the eastern part of the country, which had been identified to be hardest hit by La Niña.

The eastern parts of the country include the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Bicol, Samar, Leyte, Surigao, Agusan, and Davao Oriental.

"La Niña conditions still persist. Most dynamic and statistical forecast predict the weak La Niña could continue through March, April, and May of this year," Hilario said.

La Niña, a weather phenomenon characterized by too much rainfall, had shown signs of occurence last November but its occurrence was officially declared in February of this year.

Prior to the 2005-2006 La Niña phenomenon, the weather phenomenon had occurred in the country from 1983 to 1984, 1995 to 1996, and 1998 to 1999.

PAGASA weather branch chief Nathaniel Cruz said the weather bureau is already coordinating with the provincial government of the Bicol region and Marinduque for the possible installation of CBRON.

Based on initial investigation, 425 rain gauges are required in selected regions, particularly in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8, which had been identified by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) as "priority areas for disaster mitigation."