The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday called on local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the impacts of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), following the weather bureau’s official declaration of its onset.

In a memorandum circular, the DILG urged LGUs to implement proactive measures based on the Operation L!sto protocols for hydrometeorological hazards to reduce risks to lives, property, and local economies.

LGUs are instructed to ensure the functionality of Emergency Operations Centers, equipped with sufficient personnel and resources, and to activate Local Incident Management Teams trained in the Incident Command System.

Local governments must also identify and prepare structurally sound evacuation centers with essential facilities such as sanitation, medical assistance, and designated spaces for vulnerable populations. These facilities should be regularly inspected and upgraded according to safety and capacity standards.

The DILG further advised LGUs to update their contingency and action plans based on localized assessments of flood-prone, landslide-prone, and storm surge-affected areas. Simulation drills and community-based exercises should also be conducted to test evacuation and emergency response procedures.

Additionally, LGUs were reminded to enforce no-build zones in high-risk areas and to maintain operational emergency services and supply chains during severe weather conditions.

Operation L!sto is the DILG’s flagship disaster preparedness program, promoting a whole-of-government approach to building resilient and disaster-ready communities.