The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued an Oratio Imperata, or obligatory prayer, praying for rain to alleviate the severe heat and drought brought about by the El Niño phenomenon across various parts of the country.
The CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Liturgy issued the prayer “Ad Petendam Pluviam” (To Ask for Rain), as temperatures reached nearly 50°C in some parts of the country.
“[W]e humbly ask you to grant us relief from the extreme heat that besets your people at this time, disrupting their activities and threatening their lives and livelihood,” the prayer reads.
“Send us rain to replenish our depleting water sources, to irrigate our fields, to stave off water and power shortages and to provide water for our daily needs.”
On May 2, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture recorded a scorching 48°C, while the Ninoy Aquino International Airport remains the hottest area in Metro Manila, with temperatures reaching 43°C.
The soaring temperatures have led to in-person class suspensions and posed challenges for agriculture and other industries.
“At your command the wind and the seas obey. Raise your hand, Almighty God, to avert the continuing rise in temperatures so that your people can engage in productive undertakings our young people can pursue learning in tranquility and comfort,” the prayer reads.
“Teach us to be wise stewards of your creations so that we may always use them responsibly and protect them from abuse and exploitation. At this time of crisis, dear Lord, move us to share more, to serve more, and to love more.”
UST has advised students to utilize the Miguel de Benavides Library and vacant classrooms as temporary shelter during their free periods, as temperatures ranging from 42 to 51°C, classified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as “dangerous,” could result in heat-related illnesses such as cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
