The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) admitted that instilling a strong culture of disaster preparedness among Filipinos remains a challenge, especially during typhoon season.
OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo told DZRH that preparedness is often overlooked by households unless a storm is already approaching.
“Ang isang nagiging hamon natin sa ating mga kababayan… nakakasanayan pa rin natin yung kapag wala namang paparating na bagyo, kampante lang na hindi kasama yun sa paghahanda. Kaya nga sinasabi ng ating Pangulo ngayon, na pati sa buhay na araw-araw naghahanda, kumbaga kasama na ito sa ating way of life,” Castillo said.
He emphasized that proper information dissemination plays a vital role in helping communities prepare for disasters.
“Mahalaga po na tamang impormasyon ang nakakarating sa ating mga kababayan para po mas tamang paghahanda rin yung magagawa,” he added.
Typhoon Isang and Habagat Impact
During the hit of Typhoon Isang and the southwest monsoon (habagat), the OCD reported that over 6,000 individuals were affected by flooding and heavy rains, though no major incidents or casualties were recorded.
“Sa kabutihang palad, wala naman tayong mga significant na mga insidente… pero may higit 6,000 kababayan natin ang naapektuhan ng mga pagbaha at pag-ulan,” Castillo noted.
Most affected families have since returned home, with no areas left isolated as floodwaters subsided.
Monitoring the weather
The OCD is maintaining blue alert status as a low-pressure area can still be experienced in some areas. Castillo said the system could bring rains across Caraga, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao until the weekend.
“Regardless kung maging bagyo o hindi, magdadala ito ng malalakas na pag-ulan hanggang linggong ito,” he said.
Government agencies have already prepositioned food packs, hygiene kits, and medicines in warehouses nationwide. Pre-disaster risk assessment meetings are also ongoing, while local governments and response agencies remain on standby.
