LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Frontline government agencies and local government units in Ilocos Norte are preparing for possible effects of Super Typhoon Mawar, which will be named Betty when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this weekend.

During the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recently, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc instructed member-agencies to mobilize its resources and equipment for emergencies.

“Let’s activate our resiliency personnel and equipment, including hotlines, vehicles, food packs. Let us also check our waterways para walang clogged or silted. Pakisabi lang kung ano ang kailangan ninyo na tulong,” said Manotoc to the PDRRMC members.

One of the perennial concerns during disaster in the province is the occurence of landslides at the Manila North Road in Pancian, Pagudpud.

In preparation of probable impact of Super Typhoon Mawar in the northern part of Ilocos Norte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District Office reported that their equipment and assets are at the landslide-prone area for immediate conduct of clearing operations when necessary.

Meanwhile, a solar charging station from the Office of First District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos will be given to the Adams town, which they can use during disasters.

Hundreds of food packs are also prepositioned in seven clustered areas of the province, as reported by the governor in a media interview on Thursday.

“It is better to be prepared even if we may not be directly hit by an incoming typhoon,” said Manotoc.

In the latest bulletin of Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the super typhoon is forecasted by to enter PAR on Friday night or early morning of Saturday.

The weather bureau also reports that the typhoon may bring heavy rains over Northern Luzon beginning late Sunday or Monday next week. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)