PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III advised Friday residents in the path of Typhoon Lando, which is expected to carry strong winds and heavy rain, to prepare and not to panic as the weather disturbance moves towards north of Luzon.
"Nananawagan nga ako sa bawat Pilipino: Iwasan po natin ang mag-panic," he told the nation in a televised address.
"Gawin natin ang nararapat na paghahanda. Subaybayan natin ang mga ulat; unawain ang mga kahulugan ng mga babalang ilalabas ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan—mula sa storm signals, rainfall warnings, storm surge advisories, at maging ang mga abiso ng evacuation kung kinakailangan."
His government is doing all the necessary preparations to ensure zero casualty, he said, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) at the helm of the government's preparedness efforts.
The private sector, telecommunications and oil companies, as well as the World Food Program and other organizations, also back government preparations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also prepositioned food packs to easily reach affected communities.
The DPWH, which also prepositioned heavy equipment for possible clearing operations, is also helping the DSWD in storing food supplies, he said.
"Ang ating DOE at NEA naman, nakahandang umaksyon para maibalik ang kuryente sa mga lugar na tatamaan ng bagyo. Inabisuhan na rin ng DepEd ang lahat ng paaralang saklaw ng mga rehiyong maaapektuhan," the President said.
"Ang DOH naman, naka-ready na rin ang first aid na kagamitan at kinakailangang mga medisina. Binabantayan naman ng DTI ang presyo ng mga bilihin, para maiwasan ang pagsasamantala sa ating mga kababayan."
To ensure public safety and orderliness, the DILG, PNP, and BFP implemented Oplan Listo, he said, adding Local Government Secretary Mel Sarmiento has already coordinated with local government units in doing necessary preparations.
Government assets, such as planes and ships are already on standby, he said.
He also said the government will deploy more soldiers and policemen in affected areas.
"Maliwanag po na narito ang inyong pamahalaan, upang siguruhing maaabot natin ang hangad nating zero casualty," the President said.
"Pero kailangan kong idiin: May tungkulin ang bawat LGU, pamayanan, at Pilipinong maaapektuhan, na makiisa sa ating kolektibong aksyon para malampasan natin ang mga darating na pagsubok."
While Typhoon Lando could bring devastation along its path, the President said it could also fill the water levels of major dams in Luzon and this will help the country store water as El Niño phenomenon looms.
Based on the latest forecast by state weather bureau, Typhoon Lando was located 510 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, with sustained winds of 130 kph and gustiness of 160 kph.
Typhoon Lando, which is seen to drench much of Luzon, could move slowly, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), because of the effect of another weather disturbance, Typhoon Champi, that hampers its movement.
Pagasa said heavy rains could last from 6 to 12 hours, as quick evaporation brought about by El Niño phenomenon adds to the volume of rainfall.
Pagasa also projects that Typhoon Lando's sustained winds could reach 185 kph and typhoon signal could possibly be upgraded up to Storm Signal Number 4. (SDR/Sunnex)