ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called on Western Visayas residents to strictly heed Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advisories and local government safety protocols as Tropical Storm “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) edges closer, placing several provinces under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
“We encourage everyone to stay vigilant, monitor PAGASA updates, and comply with their LGUs’ safety protocols,” DSWD Region 6 stressed, adding that residents must be ready to evacuate at once if ordered.
Northern Iloilo towns – San Dionisio, Batad, Balasan, Carles, Sara, Concepcion, Ajuy, Lemery, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate, Anilao, San Enrique, Passi City, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, Dueñas, and Dingle – are under storm warning, along with Capiz and Aklan provinces.
Northern and central Antique municipalities, including Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Bugasong, Laua-an, plus Caluya and the Calamian Islands, are also bracing for heavy rains and strong winds.
To mitigate the impact, DSWD-6 has prepositioned thousands of Family Food Packs (FFPs) in key locations across the region.
“We are ready to respond. Our priority is to make sure that no family will go hungry during this weather threat,” the agency assured.
The relief operations will be carried out by Regional, Provincial, and Municipal Quick Response Teams in coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Logistic Cluster agencies.
Issued at 11 a.m. on Sept. 25, PAGASA’s latest advisory said “Opong” maintained its strength over the Philippine Sea east of Eastern Visayas.
Enhanced by the southwest monsoon, the storm is forecast to dump heavy rainfall while coastal and upland areas could experience stronger winds.
DSWD-6 said its assessments are ongoing and it is ready to deploy additional aid if the weather situation worsens./PN
