BRACE FOR UWAN, DILG TELLS LGUs

AS parts of the country are still reeling from Typhoon “Tino,” the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), on orders of the President, has urged all local government units (LGUs) to brace for a potentially devastating super typhoon to be named “Uwan” as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

Based on the latest advisory, the weather disturbance, currently a tropical depression, may strengthen into a super typhoon and could make landfall this weekend, bringing Wind Signal No. 5, that could cause life-threatening stormy conditions to parts of Northern and Central Luzon.

“We cannot be caught off guard. LGUs must take all precautionary steps now—activate disaster councils, prepare evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities,” the DILG said.

The Department called on LGUs to clear waterways and drainage systems, inspect roads and bridges, and ensure evacuation centers are ready with adequate supplies.

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) are also urged to plan for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas.

Emergency response teams and rescue units must be placed on standby alert, with rescue equipment and relief goods prepositioned for rapid deployment once the storm hits.

“Preparedness saves lives. We call on all LGUs to act now to prevent casualties,” the DILG stressed.

This directive reinforces President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for proactive local governance and stronger disaster preparedness to safeguard lives and communities from the increasing threat of severe tropical cyclones.

The eye of Uwan (International name: Fung-wong) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Friday night, after intensifying into a typhoon-category cyclone, state meteorologists said.

Updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that as of 10 p.m. Friday, Uwan’s eye has crossed the PAR border.