LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has urged all disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) council members, local government units (LGUs), and residents to stay proactive in preparing for the upcoming typhoons, which may be intensified by the possibility of La Niña in August.
Governor Ramon Guico III made this call during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen town, commending the Provincial DRRM office for their efforts in keeping the province safe during Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Guico noted that the proactive efforts of the DRRM offices resulted in zero casualties despite reported flooding in some municipalities.
“We are very happy that there were no casualties from the recent Typhoon Carina. However, the rain was very heavy and intermittent. Fortunately, our provincial government employees were proactive in coordinating with LGUs regarding evacuations, equipment, and flood-prone areas,” he said.
He highlighted that while some families were displaced, basic necessities were provided in the evacuation centers.
The latest PDRRMO monitoring report from July 26 showed total infrastructure damage amounting to ₱222,500,000, with agricultural losses at ₱21,764,134.45 and livestock losses at ₱2,805,260.
Guico emphasized the need for continued monitoring and improvement of disaster preparedness measures to ensure the province’s safety and resilience.
He also urged the public to keep the community clean to prevent flooding, stressing that proper waste management and regular clean-ups help avoid blockages in drainage systems and reduce flood risk.
He advised the public to follow pre-emptive evacuation orders from barangays or LGUs.
“Do not resist the evacuation. We must follow their instructions immediately because they know what’s best; they have been trained for such situations, and there are prepared evacuation centers for our fellow citizens,” Guico said in an interview.
The governor also urged the public to continue monitoring the situation and to prioritize staying alert during calamities.
In the recent monitoring by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), there is a 70 percent chance of La Niña forming in August, September, and October 2024, with the condition likely to persist until the first quarter of 2025. (MJTAB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
