Cebu Province Activates Highest Disaster Protocol Following Gov. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro’s Directive as Tropical Storm “Tino” Enters PAR

Following an urgent and comprehensive directive from Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, the Cebu Provincial Government has immediately activated its full disaster preparedness protocol as Tropical Depression “Tino” enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Governor Baricuatro’s mandate emphasizes maximum vigilance and aggressive pre-emptive measures across all local government units (LGUs), citing the likelihood of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslides, particularly in high-risk and mountainous areas.

The Threat: PAGASA Forecast

Based on the PAGASA 11 AM update yesterday, November 1, “Tino” is maintaining its strength while moving west northwestward and is expected to enter PAR on November 2nd. The storm is forecast to make landfall over the CARAGA and Eastern Samar regions on November 3rd, and the center is projected to cross Cebu by November 4th. The system carries the risk of intensifying into a typhoon before it exits PAR by November 6th.

Governor’s Five-Point Preparedness Pillars

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is executing the Governor's directive, which is founded on five critical pillars designed to minimize casualties and protect lives, property, and infrastructure:

1. Immediate Dissemination: Ensuring rapid distribution of weather advisories and warnings to all barangays.

2. Evacuation Readiness: Preparing communities for immediate forced or pre-emptive evacuations.

3. Logistics Command: Pre-positioning of response teams, logistics, and essential relief goods.

4. Unified Coordination: Continuous collaboration among all government agencies and private partners.

5. Rapid Restoration: Establishing plans for the swift restoration of essential services post-impact.

Action Under Executive Directive

The Governor’s directive ensures a unified, immediate response across the Capitol and its partners:

• PDRRMO: Tasked to conduct final pre-disaster risk assessments, activate the Emergency Operations Center by November 3rd, and maintain constant coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and PAGASA. Search, rescue, and rapid damage assessment teams are on high standby.

• Local DRRMOs: Under the Governor’s order, municipal and city DRRMOs are mandated to identify at-risk communities, issue localized advisories, prepare evacuation facilities, ensure rescue and medical teams are mobilized, and plan for damage assessments within 24–48 hours after the storm.

Provincial Agencies:

• PSWDO: Prepositioning food and non-food relief items and coordinating evacuation center management.

• PEO: Deploying heavy equipment for immediate clearing operations and ensuring backup power generators are prepared.

• PHO: Mobilizing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) teams and readying emergency medical supplies.

• CPPO, JTF-Cebu, and BFP-7: Coordinating with the PDRRMC to secure communities, assist in evacuation efforts, and facilitate post-disaster clearing.

The province will utilize all available communication systems, including mobile networks, radio, and satellite devices like Starlink, to ensure the full implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) and maintain a unified response structure under Governor Baricuatro’s leadership.

(𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘦𝘣𝘶 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦)