By Mary Therese D. Ancheta
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Provincial officials and government agencies in Ilocos Norte have strengthened coordination and operational readiness as Typhoon Uwan approaches, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent loss of life and minimize damage.
The Provincial Government convened a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on November 7, led by Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, to align preparations, response protocols, and monitoring systems.
According to Marcell Tabije, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer IV, directives have been issued to all barangays to intensify information dissemination and keep residents updated about the typhoon’s movement and strength.
“We advised our barangay officials to disseminate all necessary information so our citizens are always updated,” Tabije said.
He also instructed communities to clear drainage canals, rivers, and creeks to prevent flooding, and reminded fisherfolk to avoid going to sea once waves intensify.
Fisherfolk are urged to secure boats on higher ground, while resort guests and the public are discouraged from swimming at beaches and in rivers.
As part of preemptive measures, rescue equipment and assets are being prepared and prepositioned, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
“Those near rivers should already proceed to evacuation areas,” Tabije added. “Livestock raisers must also bring animals to higher ground or designated shelters.”
Inter-agency readiness
Government agencies confirmed that prepositioning and response preparations are in full swing to safeguard communities and infrastructure.
Engineer Anabelle Marquez of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Ilocos Norte 2nd District Engineering Office said that equipment and manpower are already deployed to support roadside pruning and clearing operations.
“Our excavators and other heavy equipment are ready to supplement local resources,” Marquez said, adding that all activities prioritize public safety and minimize travel disruptions.
Meanwhile, Doctor Jaemie Chua of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that the agency has prepositioned its Government Emergency Communications System–Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS-MOVE) and deployed teams for 24/7 monitoring of connectivity sites.
“We have Starlink units on standby in case any site experiences outages,” Chua said, noting coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission to ensure uninterrupted communication during the storm.
Lawyer Gerald Gallardo, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said civil advisories have been issued to all local government units (LGUs), urging preemptive evacuations and readiness of evacuation centers.
“We have activated our disaster monitoring system and are closely tracking preparations up to the barangay level,” Gallardo said.
Call for vigilance
The Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains active round-the-clock to receive updates from LGUs, monitor weather changes, and facilitate rapid deployment of resources.
Tabije reminded all local officials to remain vigilant.
“Let us all do our part so that our safety will not be compromised,” he urged.
“Always monitor advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and official updates.”
He reiterated that the province aims for zero casualty during Typhoon Uwan.
“Let’s ensure everyone stays safe and that this typhoon will not be destructive,” he said.
Through these proactive measures, Ilocos Norte seeks not only to protect its residents from Typhoon Uwan but also to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in the long term. (AMB/MTDA, PIA Ilocos Norte)
