ILOILO City — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 has ordered all local governments in Western Visayas to begin preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas, warning that even provinces outside the direct path of Severe Tropical Storm “Uwan” could experience destructive winds and torrential rains.
OCD-6 director Raul Fernandez said Memorandum No. 89, Series of 2025, issued under the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 6, directs all Provincial, City, and Municipal DRRMCs to “act swiftly” and implement comprehensive safety measures.
“We are calling on all local government units (LGUs) to act swiftly, implementing all necessary preparedness measures to prioritize the safety and survival of our communities,” Fernandez stressed.
Super Typhoon “Uwan,” forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this Saturday, November 8, is expected to have a massive diameter stretching from Batanes to Bohol, a scale that could expose even distant provinces to dangerous conditions.
Early evacuation, coordination, and readiness
The directive requires LGUs to conduct preemptive evacuations in flood- and landslide-prone barangays, activate emergency operations centers (EOCs) for close coordination with the regional operations hub, prepare evacuation centers with adequate food, water, and medical supplies, and disseminate timely warnings, especially to vulnerable groups.
“Unahin natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan at magsagawa ng preventive measures nang mas maaga,” Fernandez said, emphasizing the urgency of proactive disaster response.
The RDRRMC has also called on residents to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories, and follow instructions from local authorities to avoid loss of lives and property.
Community readiness crucial
Fernandez underscored that collective preparedness remains the strongest defense against large-scale disasters.
“As Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’ approaches, concerted efforts and collaboration among communities, local governments, and national agencies are essential to navigate the challenges posed by this formidable storm,” he said.
PAGASA warned that “Uwan” could bring widespread heavy to torrential rains and violent winds, urging continuous coordination between government agencies and local responders as the storm nears./PN
