Sara Duterte urges Filipinos to put safety first, brace for disasters

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday urged the public to prioritize safety and prepare for natural disasters, as the government prepares for the impact of Tropical Storm Basyang.

"The recent landslides in Cebu and various maritime accidents serve as a somber reminder of how vital it is to prioritize safety in every aspect of our lives—at work, in our daily commutes, and even whithin our homes," Duterte said in a statement.

"As another typhoon passes through our country and for future disasters, we must make the safety of ourselves and our loved ones a daily priority," the Vice President added.

Duterte reminded the public to always ensure that both private and public vehicles—whether by land, sea, or air—are in good condition and safe to use.

She also appealed to the public to monitor and adhere to safety advisories issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

"Landslides, electrocution, drowning, house destruction, and falling debris are common effects of heavy rains and strong winds. Even if the storm has left the country, continuous rainfall can still trigger landslides after the typhoon," Duterte said.

Duterte said the Office of the Vice President's Disaster Operations Center (DOC) was created to coordinate with local governments in providing assistance to affected individuals and communities.

"The DOC is always ready to provide support for the first response of cities and municipalities," she said.

"Being prepared and cautious is the key to everyone’s safety. We need to be careful, help one another, and pray to avoid tragedy," the Vice President added.