ILOILO City – Quick and decisive preemptive evacuations spared Iloilo City from casualties even as Typhoon “Tino” (international name: Kalmaegi) left 266 houses damaged across 40 barangays.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that 23 houses were totally destroyed and 243 partially damaged, mostly in coastal areas and neighborhoods hit by falling trees.
A total of 5,231 families or 18,216 individuals took refuge in 165 evacuation centers as the city endured hours of destructive winds.
CDRRMO chief Darwin Joemil Papa said the city’s early evacuation order, strictly enforced under Mayor Raisa Treñas, prevented any loss of life.
“The political will of Mayor Raisa Treñas to enforce mandatory preemptive evacuation was crucial. Without that, we could have seen more injuries or worse,” Papa said. “Before the winds grew stronger, families were already in safe areas. That’s why zero casualties were recorded.”
Papa added that the city’s response teams were mobilized as early as Monday night, with rescue and clearing personnel deployed to all districts.
“We made sure all evacuation centers were ready, food supplies were pre-positioned, and our responders were on standby 24/7,” he said.
At least 133 trees and 20 electric posts were toppled by strong winds, prompting clearing operations across affected districts. Power restoration teams and city engineers have been working round the clock to reconnect affected areas.
All response clusters have begun post-impact assessment and recovery coordination meetings, the CDRRMO said.
Mayor Treñas expressed gratitude to responders, barangay officials, volunteers, and private partners for their cooperation during the storm.
“Typhoon Tino was another tough challenge for us Ilonggos, pero kinaya naton. Not only because we have ready and active teams and systems in place, but because nagbuligay ang tanan,” she said.
“I am very thankful to our CDRRMC, the Iloilo City Government and departments, barangay officials, uniformed personnel, different response clusters, volunteers, and private partners — salamat gid sa inyo dedication kag teamwork,” Treñas added.
The mayor emphasized that managing over 18,000 evacuees was among the city’s biggest disaster operations to date.
“I can’t imagine how the Iloilo City Government would’ve managed all these kon wala kamo,” she said.
Treñas said a post-disaster assessment will be conducted to further enhance the city’s preparedness system.
“Tungod sang active response clusters, coordination sang barangay officials, suporta from private partners, kag pagpangamuyo sang kada Ilonggo sa Mahal nga Ginoo, nakatibawas kita,” she said. “Salamat, mga pinalangga ko nga pumuluyong Ilonggo, sa padayon nga paghimakas para sa mas resilient, mas preparado, kag mas mabakod nga Iloilo City.”/PN
