ANTIQUE – Nine towns in Antique, including the Caluya Islands, have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Opong” moves closer to the province, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and deploy response teams.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), areas from Bugasong to Libertad — including Caluya Islands — were placed under Signal No. 1 as of 2 p.m. Thursday. From September 26 to 27, Antique is expected to receive 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall, equivalent to a yellow rainfall warning.
Opong is forecast to make landfall between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. While Antique is not directly along the storm’s path, its wide wind band — stretching 450 kilometers from the center — will affect the province’s central and northern areas.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened an Emergency Preparedness and Response Meeting cum Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) with partner agencies on Thursday at the PDRRMO Office, Binirayan Hills, San Jose.
Following the assessment, the PDRRMC placed the entire province under Blue Alert and Orange Level Protocol (High Risk). Central and northern municipalities were placed under the same alert status, while southern towns were placed under Blue Alert and Yellow Level Protocol (Moderate Risk).
“My office is on blue alert, and our Emergency Operations Center is on 24/7 activation. We have coordinated with MDRRMOs to activate their EOCs down to the barangay level,” said PDRRMO chief Broderick Train.
The PDRRMO has also mapped out storm surge, flood-prone, and landslide-vulnerable areas as high-risk zones. To boost readiness, the office prepared resources including rescue vehicles, communication equipment, and emergency response teams. One team will be deployed in Culasi to cover towns down to Bugasong, while another will be stationed in Libertad to cover towns down to Sebaste.
Train advised residents in low-lying and mountainous areas to remain vigilant against possible flash floods and landslides. Fisherfolk and small seacraft operators were also warned against venturing into the sea due to rough to very rough coastal waters.
Meanwhile, all partner agencies have been placed on heightened alert for resource and personnel augmentation. The Provincial Health Office confirmed that all hospitals in Antique are on Code White Alert, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported over 17,000 food packs ready for distribution should affected municipalities request assistance.
Train added that Antique will be escalated to Red Alert status by 6 a.m. Friday as Opong continues to advance toward the country.
Gov. Paolo S. Javier called on Antiqueños to remain vigilant and cooperative with advisories from authorities. “We are doing everything to keep Antique safe, but preparedness starts with each of us. Let us prioritize the safety of our families and communities, and together we will weather this storm,” he said./PN
