YESTERDAY, November 8, marked the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda, one of the most destructive storms in modern history, and a defining moment for disaster preparedness in the Philippines, especially here in Iloilo. The typhoon’s catastrophic impact highlighted our province’s vulnerabilities, exposing gaps in response capability, infrastructure resilience, and disaster planning. But from this painful experience, Iloilo has emerged more resilient, making disaster preparedness a top priority.
In 2013, Iloilo, like much of the Visayas, was under-equipped and unprepared. Chainsaws, rescue boats, and heavy machinery needed to clear blocked roads and restore basic services were scarce. Provincial Administrator Raul Banias recalls the challenges of delivering aid to isolated areas, a reminder of the critical importance of logistics and equipment during emergencies. The province lacked the necessary resources to respond effectively, but the disaster spurred leaders to act, making preparedness a core responsibility across all levels of government.
Under then-Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., disaster preparedness moved to the forefront of provincial policy. The investment in critical equipment—rescue tools, chainsaws, boats, and trucks—was just the beginning. The current administration has expanded on these foundations, ensuring that every municipality in Iloilo is equipped with essential response tools. Now, each of Iloilo’s 42 municipalities and the city of Passi has disaster response teams, equipped to protect lives and livelihoods when calamity strikes.
But beyond equipment, preparedness must become an ingrained part of policy and culture. Disaster response training, drills, and evacuation procedures must be regular occurrences, keeping both responders and residents on alert. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) operates a Command Center that monitors real-time weather updates and coordinates resources, from rescue boats to relief goods, ensuring a swift response to any emergency. This is good.
A significant step has been integrating disaster preparedness into governance standards. The Department of Interior and Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance now includes disaster preparedness as a benchmark, motivating LGUs to maintain high standards. This fosters a sense of accountability and continuous improvement, pushing local governments to prioritize readiness.
The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, driven by climate change, require Iloilo to stay vigilant and adaptable. Recent weather patterns have shown that the infrastructure and systems we relied on in the past may no longer be enough. As Banias acknowledges, climate change has transformed the scope and scale of disaster threats. Strengthening coastal defenses, building resilient housing, and ensuring the durability of evacuation centers are ongoing needs as Iloilo faces an unpredictable climate future.
Yolanda taught us many lessons, but perhaps the most profound is that preparedness is an evolving journey. While Iloilo has come a long way, there is still more to do. Investing in disaster resilience is not a one-time effort; it is a continuous commitment to the safety and welfare of our people.
The hard-won lessons of 2013 should serve as both a reminder and a motivation for Iloilo to keep pushing forward in its disaster preparedness efforts.
