TYPHOON READY. The Department of Public Works and Highways deploys quick response personnel and equipment along the Pinagpanaan-Rizal-Pantabangan Road in Barangay Cambitala, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija province on Friday (May 26, 2023) in preparation for Super Typhoon Betty (Mawar). The road is a major thoroughfare in Nueva Ecija with high susceptibility to mudslides. (Photo courtesy of the DPWH Region III)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Central Luzon (DPWH 3) has started the prepositioning of manpower and equipment to prepare for the possible effect of Super Typhoon Betty (international name Mawar) which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday night or early Saturday morning.
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said on Friday that he has alerted all their district engineering offices (DEOs) in the region to prepare for any eventuality.
“The district engineers of the various DEOs have been directed to enhance preparedness measures. They are advised to ensure that manpower and quick response assets are well-prepared and strategically positioned in critical road sections that are susceptible to flooding and landslides,” Tolentino said in a statement.
Likewise, he said the DPWH Regional Office III Incident Command System has been activated to closely monitor the situation.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the official advisories from relevant authorities. Take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety, stay informed and be prepared for any potential impacts,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Luzon (DSWD-3) has also prepositioned some 58,856 family food packs in preparation for the super typhoon.
DSWD-3 information officer Reiner Gorospe said the agency’s quick response teams are also on standby for deployment in the region.
“We are in communication with the local government units. They are the first responders but we are here ready to help and support in case they needed,” Gorospe said in an interview.
Likewise, the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has assured the public that troops are also ready for the possible onslaught of the super typhoon.
Nolcom commander, Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, said they are working hand-in-hand with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other concerned agencies in preparing measures and contingency plans.
“Nolcom is ready and on standby to extend assistance like disaster response and relief work to minimize the damage that the typhoon may bring, staying true to its mandate as defenders of the North and protectors of the people,” Buca said in a statement. (PNA)
