ILOILO City – Bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm “Dante” and Tropical Depression “Emong”, this city was placed under red alert on July 23, as Mayor Raisa Treñas ordered the mobilization of all local government resources to protect over 240,000 residents in flood-prone barangays and nearly 108,000 in coastal areas at risk of storm surges.
The heightened alert follows the latest forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and monitoring by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), which warned of intensified habagat (southwest monsoon) conditions triggered by the two approaching storms.
Based on the city’s Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), 72 barangays are vulnerable to flooding, while 25 are at high risk for storm surges.
“As your Mayor, it is my mandate to ensure that the City Government of Iloilo is always ready to respond and prepared to protect every Ilonggo family, especially in times of calamity,” Treñas said in a statement. “Ginmanduan ko ang aton mga departamento nga i-preposition na daan ang tanan nga mga kinahanglanon sa kada distrito agud madasig ang pag-deploy sang assistance sa tion nga kinahanglan. Preparedness saves lives, and we are taking every measure possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our people.”
Under the red alert status, all community kitchens and evacuation centers have been reactivated across the city’s seven districts. The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have deployed teams and emergency equipment, while all nine district health centers remain operational with medical teams stationed at evacuation sites.
Since July 18, at least 14,962 individuals have received doxycycline for leptospirosis prevention, including 385 beneficiaries on July 23 alone. Distribution continues in flood-prone areas, particularly public markets, alongside health education initiatives in temporary shelters.
The City General Services Office (GSO) has prepositioned vital equipment at Freedom Grandstand, while the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) deployed its district heads. The ICPO Search and Rescue Units are on standby with rubber boats, and agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard, BFP-ICAG, and FedFIRE have made their ambulances and fire trucks available.
The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) have also been activated for post-disaster clearing operations, including tree-cutting and debris removal.
Preemptive evacuation has been strongly advised for residents in flood- and storm surge-prone barangays. Authorities are conducting recorida (mobile public announcements), urging residents to proceed to evacuation centers before 5:00 PM and prepare for possible worst-case scenarios.
Close coordination is also underway with Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) and MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) to ensure uninterrupted utility services during the storm events. Emergency response is being centralized through the 911 hotline and the police’s enhanced coordination system.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm two drowning incidents recently recorded,” Treñas added. “This is a serious reminder for all that do not swim or play in floodwaters and stay indoors and be vigilant.”
The mayor urged the public to heed warnings and cooperate with authorities. “Let us all be vigilant and cooperative. Our frontliners are already in the field, alert and ready,” she said. “This is the time for community discipline and collective action. Iloilo City, let us rise to action.”/PN
