THE Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region has prepositioned food and non-food relief items across Benguet to ensure quick response and support to local government units ahead of the expected landfall of the tropical cyclone by Sunday.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of DSWD-CORDILLERA REGION
BAGUIO CITY — As super typhoon “Uwan” moves closer, the Cordillera region is on full alert — from bustling Baguio to the mountain towns of Benguet and Kalinga, local governments are springing into action, preparing for the storm’s potential impact with that familiar blend of discipline and bayanihan.
In Baguio City, the local government has suspended all park activities starting Monday, 10 November, to keep both residents and tourists safe. The city also ordered the suspension of government work so employees can prepare their homes — and so that disaster response teams can focus on readiness.
Over in La Trinidad, Mayor Roderick Awingan rolled up his sleeves, urging residents to join cleanup drives, unclog canals and clear road gutters to prevent flooding once the rains hit. “We can’t stop the typhoon,” he said, “but we can help lessen its impact by preparing together.”
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has gone on red alert, securing posts and power lines. Management also reminded linemen to make sure their families are safe before heading out to respond during the storm.
Meanwhile, Governor Melchor Diclas ordered a province-wide suspension of all mining and tourism activities starting 8 November until the weather improves — a preemptive move to keep workers and visitors out of harm’s way.
In Bauko, Mountain Province, Mayor Randolf Awisan called for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas, reminding residents in landslide-prone and riverside communities to move to safer ground. “San amin ay kakailyan... et man-evacuate isnan kaasidegan ay evacuation centers,” he urged — a heartfelt plea for safety over hesitation.
The Mountain Province DRRM Council remains on full alert, while in Kalinga, local authorities have mobilized early. The NIA began clearing operations and assigned field operators to monitor dams and irrigation systems. The Kalinga Police, BFP, and 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army have also deployed rescue teams and equipment. To ensure steady communication even during power outages, the DICT has deployed Starlink units across key areas.
In Apayao, Abra and Ifugao, provincial DRRM councils have activated their response protocols and are now closely monitoring the situation, reminding residents to prepare for possible evacuations.
As “Uwan” approaches, the people of Cordillera are once again proving their strength in unity — a mountain region bound not just by ridges and rivers, but by resilience.
