ILOILO CITY —The Iloilo Provincial Government is reinforcing disaster preparedness and response efforts, learning from the severe impact that Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) left 11 years ago on Northern Iloilo and the entire Western Visayas region.
Since its destruction, local government units (LGUs) have prioritized disaster readiness programs, focusing on effective response strategies and community preparedness. Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias admitted that the provincial government was unprepared for Yolanda’s destructive force.
“We were unprepared,” Banias said, recalling the aftermath and the hurdles in providing immediate relief.
In the typhoon’s wake, rescue vehicles deployed by the provincial government faced blocked roads, with fallen trees and electric poles obstructing paths. Lacking essential equipment like chainsaws for clearing debris, the response was delayed.
Under the administration of Governor Arthur Defensor, Iloilo’s provincial government has since implemented significant disaster preparedness measures.
Today, all 43 LGUs have disaster response strategies, conducting public information campaigns in schools, barangays, and other community hubs to ensure readiness.
The provincial government also established command centers to coordinate relief operations and quickly respond to affected areas. These efforts align with the Seal of Local Governance criteria set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which emphasizes disaster readiness.
In addition, each of the 43 LGUs constructed evacuation centers. The province bolstered equipment resources and invested in advanced technology for real-time weather updates.
They also strengthened rescue operations in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Force, and volunteer groups.
Data from PAGASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) highlight Yolanda as one of the most powerful storms in Philippine history, affecting 14 million individuals and displacing 4 million, with extensive property and livelihood losses.
While Western Visayas suffered greatly, the storm also had catastrophic impacts on Eastern and Central Visayas.
