As Super Typhoon “Uwan” officially enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), residents of Barangay 34-A Gabu, one of the coastal communities of Laoag City, brace for impact with a mix of fear and resilience — a reflection of the Ilocano spirit in the face of recurring storms.

Barangay Chairwoman Glenda Raquino told the Daily Tribune that members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) visited their area as early as Thursday, November 6, to warn residents about the coming typhoon. Since then, she said, villagers have worked together to secure their homes and fishing boats, drawing from past experiences of devastation.

“Fishermen have already docked their boats since Friday,” Raquino said. “We’ve started tying down our roofs and towing our bancas inland to keep them safe. Even if fear remains, we’ve learned to be ready — because waiting unprepared is more dangerous.”

In this small fishing community, resilience has become second nature. Families have packed essential goods, strengthened their homes with available materials, and coordinated closely with barangay volunteers, ensuring everyone — especially the elderly and children — is accounted for.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Marcel Tabije said that several local government units (LGUs) have already prepositioned relief goods and supplies, while others have completed their stockpiles ahead of the storm’s arrival. He confirmed that preemptive evacuations will start on Sunday, emphasizing the province’s proactive approach to keep residents safe.

“Rescue operations become far more difficult once the typhoon makes landfall,” Tabije stressed.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Kevin Teneci Payongayong, commander of PCG–Ilocos Norte, said that Coast Guard personnel have been visiting coastal barangays to advise fishermen and residents to secure their boats and follow evacuation protocols.

“We’re in close coordination with local DRRM offices,” he said. “We have 15 Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) ready with rescue equipment for immediate deployment.”

Meanwhile, Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Benemerito said in an interview that the local government remains vigilant and fully prepared for the storm. Relief packs have been prepositioned, evacuation centers prepared, and tourist safety measures reinforced. “Our focus is on minimizing risks and ensuring everyone’s safety,” he said.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, under Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, has activated full disaster preparedness protocols as “Uwan” intensifies into a super typhoon. The governor led a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting, directing the prepositioning of relief goods, emergency medicines, and animal shelters in vulnerable areas, as well as clearing operations in waterways and landslide-prone zones.

Uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Marines have been mobilized to assist in evacuation and emergency operations, while the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and Ilocos Norte Water District (INWD) have been placed on heightened alert to ensure uninterrupted essential services.

As Typhoon Uwan continues to approach Northern Luzon, local officials remind the public to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and avoid spreading unverified information.