LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has activated its disaster response measures to mitigate the impacts of Typhoon Julian.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened member agencies on Sept. 28 and outlined their preparedness plans.
Engr. Cynthia Iglesia, senior weather specialist and chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Laoag, presented the track and intensity outlook of Julian during the pre-disaster risk assessment meeting.
As the gale warning effect is still hoisted over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos asked the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to inform fisherfolk in the coastal villages not to sail as sea travel is risky for small seacrafts, including all types of motor bancas.
In response, the PCG has conducted information dissemination in the concerned areas on “Paalala para sa mga Mangingisda sa Panahon ng Bagyo (Reminder for Fisherfolk during Stormy Weather).”
Moreover, they have activated their Deployable Response Group (DRG) and ensured that all search and rescue operations and land mobility, as well as floating assets, are ready to be utilized at all times.
Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Officer Rochelle Gajes reported that the office has an available stockpile of 13,400 family food packs (FFPs), wherein 1,200 FFPs were repacked and ready to be distributed.
“Sa mga satellite bodega natin, ‘yong Pancian District Hospital, may available tayo doon na 200 FFPs. Sa Adams naman, may 200 FFPs din tayo. At sa ibang satellite bodega, may na-preposition din na 2,000 FFPs,” said Gajes.
(We have 200 FFPs available at the Pancian District Hospital, one of our satellite warehouses. We also have 200 FFPs in Adams. Also prepositioned are 2,000 FFPs at a different satellite warehouse.)
The vice governor reminded the PSWDO to prioritize the fisherfolks whose livelihoods are affected due to the prevailing gale warning to be given food packs.
Gajes replied that municipal SWDOs of the local government units will take charge of the distribution while the provincial government will augment.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) also presented their readiness for the possible effects of Julian.
“Mayroon kami naka-ready na six Reaction Standby Support Forces (RSSF), and we have three search and rescue teams composed of mobile support forces and the special action force. We also have a standby of two rubber boats,” said Police Major Jephre Taccad.
(We have six Reaction Standby Support Forces (RSSF) ready, and we have three search and rescue teams composed of mobile support forces and the special action force. We also have a standby of two rubber boats.)
For animal safety during disasters, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela said the province’s existing animal shelters, such as in the towns of Badoc, Dingras, and Pagudpud, are being used.
“For the requirement of water and pakain sa kanila, we have advised the farmers doon na magdala ng grasses to last for two to three days, but we can still bring animal feeds also,” said Valenzuela.
(We have instructed the farmers there to bring grasses to last for two to three days in order to meet their needs for food and water, but we can also bring animal feed.
The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) has also activated its task force to better resolve reports of power interruptions caused by the typhoon.
As of 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, the province of Ilocos Norte is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
