By Mary Therese D. Ancheta
BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte — The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) places disaster preparedness and community resiliency at the center of its development strategy, ensuring that every Ilocano is protected when calamities strike.
During the first 100 days of the current administration, the province faced a series of strong typhoons — Crising, Dante, Emong, Isang, Goryo, Mirasol, Nando, and Paolo — bringing destructive winds and heavy rains across Ilocos Norte.
“During Typhoon Nando, I traveled to Pagudpud in the north and Batac in the south to distribute relief goods — not realizing we were at the storm’s height. It reminded us how unpredictable and powerful nature can be,” Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said.
Drawing from these experiences, she said the provincial government now prioritizes prepositioning essential lifelines before storms to ensure faster response and recovery.
Strengthening disaster response systems
The province is establishing the Ilocos Norte Command Center to improve coordination among responders and ensure that equipment, data, and personnel are always ready for deployment.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has been elevated into a full department, giving it greater authority and resources for faster, more effective operations.
To enhance rescue capabilities, four rescue boats donated by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 1 were deployed to Pagudpud, Bacarra, Paoay, and the BFP for shared use.
The province also implemented “Libreng Sakay” (free rides) for nighttime workers during calamities along key routes, including Laoag, Sarrat, Dingras, Bacarra, Pasuquin, and Batac-Paoay.
Early recovery, livelihood continuity
“Early recovery is key to resiliency. Distributing seeds, fertilizers, and livestock quickly generates jobs and sustains livelihoods during typhoon season,” Araneta-Marcos said.
The PGIN continues to strengthen veterinary and fisheries programs, helping farmers and fisherfolk rebuild despite frequent natural hazards.
Together with local government units (LGUs), the province provided emergency relief to over 43,000 families, distributing food, water, and essentials.
In a gesture of solidarity beyond the province, the PGIN sent 400 relief packs to earthquake victims in Cebu.
Additionally, ₱1.98 million in emergency shelter assistance helped eight families whose homes were damaged, benefiting over 340 individuals.
Compassion in action
One beneficiary, Joan Santos of Barangay Ricarte, Batac, lost her home to a fire last year.
“We could not have managed on our own. Thank you to the provincial government for the tremendous help. They never abandoned us and supported us through disasters,” Santos said.
Araneta-Marcos emphasized that resiliency goes beyond infrastructure — it includes the capacity of people to recover and their spirit of solidarity.
“As Ina ti Probinsya (Mother of the Province), I bring compassion, empathy, and care into leadership. In Ilocos Norte, the health and well-being of our people remain at the heart of governance,” she said.
The PGIN actively engages communities during disasters through rapid response teams, mobilized local volunteers, and close coordination with barangay officials to ensure that aid reaches affected areas quickly and efficiently.
Through these efforts, Ilocos Norte builds stronger, more resilient communities, ensuring that every Ilocano has the opportunity to recover, rebuild, and thrive despite natural hazards. (CCMT/MTDA, PIA Ilocos Norte)
