ILOILO City – Bracing for the onslaught of Typhoon “Tino,” the Iloilo City Government has ordered the immediate preemptive evacuation of residents in flood-prone and coastal barangays, mobilizing its full disaster response machinery to protect lives before the storm’s expected landfall.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has been evacuating residents from high-risk riverside and coastal areas since yesterday following the state weather bureau’s advisory warning of torrential rains, strong winds, and possible storm surges that could trigger widespread flooding.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the move underscores the city’s commitment to act before disaster strikes.
“We are not waiting for the water to rise or for the winds to become stronger before we act,” she declared. “The safety of our people is our top priority. It’s better to move early and stay safe than to take unnecessary risks.”
She assured Ilonggos that the city’s disaster infrastructure is fully operational, with 450 evacuation centers across all districts ready to shelter up to 47,342 families or roughly 226,741 individuals.
Each site has been stocked with food packs, potable water, and essential supplies prepared by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“All our evacuation centers are ready to receive families from affected areas,” Treñas added. “We have activated our community kitchens, coordinated with our barangay officials, and deployed personnel from the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), and the Liga ng mga Barangay to assist in the evacuation process.”
Evacuations cover multiple barangays in Molo, Arevalo, City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, and Lapuz, particularly those within 150 meters of high-water levels near major waterways such as the Jaro River, Dungon Creek, Buntatala Creek, Mansaya Creek, and Calajunan Creek.
Treñas also appealed for cooperation and discipline among residents, urging calm and vigilance as the storm approaches.
“We appeal to everyone please cooperate with our emergency teams and follow the instructions of your barangay officials,” she said. “This is for your safety and that of your loved ones. The best form of preparedness is to avoid danger before it happens.”
The city government continues to monitor weather bulletins and stands ready to deploy additional response teams if conditions worsen.
“We can rebuild homes and structures,” Treñas said, “but we can never bring back lives lost. That’s why we must always choose safety first.”/PN