As super typhoon “Uwan” enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, residents of Barangay 34-A Gabu in Laoag City are once again preparing for the worst — securing boats, tying down roofs and checking on neighbors — all with that familiar Ilocano grit in the face of another storm.
Barangay Chairwoman Glenda Raquino told DAILY TRIBUNE that the Philippine Coast Guard had already visited their area on Thursday to warn residents. “Fishermen have already docked their boats since Friday,” she said. “We’ve started tying down our roofs and towing our bancas inland. Even if fear remains, we’ve learned to be ready — because waiting unprepared is more dangerous.”
Across Ilocos Norte, local governments have moved early. Provincial DRRM officer Marcel Tabije said preemptive evacuations will begin Sunday, with food and supplies already prepositioned. “Rescue operations become far more difficult once the typhoon makes landfall,” he stressed.
The Coast Guard, under Lt. JG Kevin Teneci Payongayong, has deployed 15 rescue teams across coastal barangays, advising residents to secure their boats and follow evacuation orders.
In Pagudpud, Mayor Rafael Benemerito said their focus is on minimizing risks. “We’ve readied evacuation centers and reinforced tourist safety measures,” he noted.
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has activated full disaster protocols — ordering the prepositioning of relief goods, medicines, and animal shelters, as well as clearing operations in landslide-prone areas.
Uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP, Air Force and Marines are on standby to assist in evacuation and emergency work, while local utilities INEC and INWD are on alert for power and water disruptions.
As “Uwan” bears down on Northern Luzon, authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant, follow official advisories and avoid spreading unverified information.