This is the moment heavy rain poured through a graduation ceremony, dampening the solemn rites at a school in the Philippines.

Pupils of the Mabini Colleges pushed through the commencement exercises despite the downpour battering the graduation venue in Daet, Camarines Norte province on June 17.

Footage shows rain dripping through the gaps of the tarpaulin canopy - seen bulging with water - and drenching the seating area lined with rows of monobloc chairs.

Students wearing graduation gowns, accompanied by their parents, were seen holding up umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain.

Pupil Mark Angelo Diezmo said: 'The weather was okay during the afternoon, but it suddenly rained in the evening. We didn't expect it to be so strong.'

The Philippines and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.