Manila: Two brand-new rescue boats are now being tested in the coastal waters of Ilocos Norte after the provincial government received the units from the Japanese government. Engr. Randy Nicolas, the local disaster risk reduction and management officer of the Provincial Resiliency Office, confirmed this, noting that the rescue boats are a significant boost to the province's disaster preparedness initiative.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Japanese government, through its embassy in Manila, approved the donation of the two units of rescue boats worth PHP3.5 million last year. The program falls under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, which aims to ensure the safety of local communities during times of crisis.

Nicolas mentioned that the delivery of the items had been delayed due to a leadership transition and the procurement process. A grant contract was signed on February 25, 2025, between Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya.

For a province like Ilocos Norte, which frequently experiences tropical cyclones, a rescue boat is one of the most needed assets for search-and-rescue and relief operations in flood-prone and hard-to-reach areas. On average, about three cyclones occur in the province in July and August, and one each in June, September, and October, as indicated by data from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau indicated that the southwest monsoon, or 'habagat,' may begin by the end of May or in the first week of June. PAGASA also mentioned that the country is gradually entering the 'habagat' (southwest monsoon) season, but this does not necessarily mark the beginning of the rainy season.