The government on Friday urged Filipinos to brace for the onslaught of super typhoon “Uwan” — a massive storm system nearly 1,400 kilometers wide that could affect areas from Batanes to Bohol this weekend.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the agency is closely monitoring the storm, which may bring widespread heavy rains, destructive winds, and storm surges across Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
“This typhoon is extremely large and could reach Regions 6, 7, and 8,” Alejandro said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo. “We’re preparing basically the entire Luzon and Visayas for Uwan’s impact.”
Widespread risks
PAGASA reported that Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong intensified further Friday morning as it neared the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It is expected to enter the PAR by late Friday or early Saturday and will be named Uwan. The storm may strengthen into a super typhoon by late Saturday or early Sunday as it moves from the Bicol Region.
Alejandro warned residents in coastal and low-lying communities to be ready to evacuate as early as possible.
“We are urging everyone, including our local government units, to take pre-emptive action,” he said. “This severe weather could have widespread effects across its path and even in nearby areas under its rain bands.”
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources identified 8,164 barangays nationwide as highly prone to rain-induced landslides and flooding.
Dr. Karlo Queano of the MGB cautioned evacuees against returning home too soon.
“Our fellow citizens should not rush back home, especially if the ground remains saturated,” he said. “Landslides don’t always happen instantly — it’s best to wait for the go-signal from local authorities.”
Up to 8.4 million
may be affected
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) estimated that around 8.4 million people could be affected by Uwan.
Assistant Secretary Leo Quintilla said the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) may see around 1.4-million residents affected, followed by Region 1 (Ilocos) with 3.5 million, and Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) with two million. Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol are also projected to experience severe weather.
To prepare for relief operations, the DSWD said it has prepositioned 2.04-million family food packs, 314,000 non-food items, and 91,000 ready-to-eat meals in regional warehouses. The agency also has P2.7 billion in standby funds nationwide.
Pre-emptive evacuation ordered
On President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s orders, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday directed local government units (LGUs) to complete preemptive evacuations of high-risk communities by Sunday.
“Don’t wait for conditions to worsen. Complete all evacuations by Sunday. Early action saves lives,” the DILG said, urging LGUs to prepare evacuation centers, ensure adequate supplies, and coordinate closely with disaster councils.
“The next 48 hours are crucial. Stay alert, stay safe, and follow local advisories,” the DILG added.
Local governments gear up
In Marikina City, Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro has ordered the full mobilization of the city’s disaster response teams.
She directed crews to clear waterways, prepare 36 evacuation centers, and position rescue boats in flood-prone barangays.
“I’ve ordered the massive declogging of waterways to ensure proper drainage,” Teodoro said. “Rescue boats have been prepositioned to ensure a quick response in case of evacuation.”
Community kitchens have been activated to provide hot meals to evacuees, while the City Health Office is on standby for emergency medical needs.
“At this time, coordination among all departments is crucial to ensure the safety and welfare of our residents,” Teodoro said. “Let’s stay alert, follow official advisories, and work together. We can get through any storm if we act as one.”
Pre-emptive evacuations
in W. Visayas
In the Visayas, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has ordered pre-emptive evacuations in high-risk areas.
OCD-Region VI Director Raul Fernandez instructed local governments to activate emergency operations centers, prepare evacuation sites, stockpile supplies, and issue timely warnings.
According to PAGASA, Uwan is expected to bring heavy to torrential rains and powerful winds across a vast area, with its reach spanning Batanes and Bohol — meaning that even provinces far from its center could experience severe weather.
Fernandez emphasized that early evacuation remains the best protection.
“The goal is to minimize casualties and damage,” he said. “Preparedness and early action are our best defense.”