“Magkaisa tayo. Ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga (Let us unite. Every second counts).”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on all government agencies to be on full alert to safeguard the public as Typhoon Uwan intensifies while approaching Northern Luzon.

“Pinapaalalahanan ko ang lahat na manatiling mahinahon at huwag maging kampante. Sumunod sa mga abiso ng inyong LGU at agad lumikas kung kayo ay nakatira sa delikadong lugar. Ihanda ang inyong mga pangunahing pangangailangan at manatiling nakatutok sa mga opisyal na anunsyo (I remind everyone to remain calm and not be complacent. Follow the advisories from your local government unit and evacuate immediately if you live in a hazardous area. Prepare your basic necessities and stay tuned to official announcements),” he said. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Uwan rapidly intensified over the Philippine Sea in the past 24 hours and is expected to continue strengthening. 

In a press briefing on Saturday, PAGASA reported that the typhoon’s maximum sustained winds increased from 130 km/h to 140 km/h, with gusts now reaching 170 km/h.

Marcos said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have deployed buses and trucks for evacuation efforts. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Coast Guard have prepositioned rescue vehicles, lifeboats, and relief goods in high-risk areas.

“Patuloy nating binabantayan ang pagtindi ng Bagyong Uwan habang papalapit ito sa Hilagang Luzon. Naka-full alert ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan at agad kumilos upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (We continue to monitor the intensification of Typhoon Uwan as it approaches Northern Luzon. All government agencies are on full alert and are taking immediate action to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens),” the President said.

He also noted that toll fees are suspended for emergency convoys and responders, and special lanes have been designated to allow faster access to high-risk areas.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units are conducting clearing operations to remove debris from waterways and roads, while some malls and buildings have opened their parking areas to provide additional shelter for residents in flood-prone communities.

Under the supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), pre-emptive evacuations are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents in high-risk areas before Typhoon Uwan makes landfall.

Marcos urged anew the public to stay informed and follow local advisories as the typhoon approaches Northern Luzon.