Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos on Monday enjoined local government units and other concerned entities in the province to collaborate and adopt strategies for disaster preparedness, including assistance to affected communities.

“Bago pa man tumama ang bagyo, siguraduhin natin na nakahanda na ang tulong (Even before the cyclone hits, let us make sure that assistance has been readied),” Marcos said in an interview.

This comes after Ilocos Norte experienced nine cyclones in just four months, or from July to October, which resulted in floods and landslides that displaced thousands of residents and damaged crops and infrastructure.

“I have come to terms with the truth that in Ilocos Norte, there will always be more natural disasters, and disaster management must become every Ilocano family’ s concern,” Marcos said.

In a separate interview, Marcell Tabije of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said their initial steps are always to preposition goods and conduct preemptive evacuation.

“[These are] our initial steps to minimize risks as we always aim for zero casualty during calamities,” he said.

To enhance the provincial government’s disaster preparedness, an Ilocos Norte Command Center is being established to ensure that equipment and personnel are always ready for deployment.

The PDRRMO has also been elevated to a full department, giving it the authority and resources needed for faster and more effective action.

The province’s rescue equipment also received a boost recently after the South Korean government donated four boats to the towns of Pagudpud, Bacarra, Paoay, and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Ilocos Norte through the Office of Civil Defense in the Ilocos Region.

The provincial government also ordered the automatic implementation of “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) for nighttime workers during times of calamity covering key routes. (PNA)