September 26, 2025
MANILA – Some government agencies have begun preparing for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which the state weather bureau had forecast to make landfall in the Bicol Region on Friday.
The Department of Health (DOH) has stocked essential health commodities, including emergency health supplies, nutrition and sanitation kits, hygiene kits, and mental health kits for residents of the Western and Eastern Visayas.
The DOH also procured medicines, including doxycycline to prevent bacterial infections, oral rehydration salts, and drugs for coughs, colds, and fever.
Health emergency response teams in those regions are on alert, the DOH added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) urged utilities and operators to inspect power lines and energy assets ahead of Opong.
Task Force on Energy Resilience Chair Felix William Fuentebella said operators should reinforce power lines in high-risk areas “to better withstand the impact of storms and minimize service disruptions.”
The DOE, however, said restoration of work continues in areas hit by Super Typhoon Nando, including repairs at the Basco Diesel Power Plant in Batanes, which sustained damage during the storm.
An electric vehicle (EV) charging station is also being restored in La Union, and 14 gasoline stations across the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region are being closely monitored for supply.
READ: Pagasa: More areas under tropical cyclone wind signals due to Opong
Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) prepared all Port Management Offices (PMOs) of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the effects of the cyclone and the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” which may strengthen over the course of the weekend.
DOTr readied port supplies such as an emergency power system, communication equipment, first aid equipment, and food and water.
The PPA is also set to regularly relay information from PMOs regarding canceled trips, stranded passengers, rolling cargoes and ships, weather and sea conditions, and port status.
Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured coordination with other government agencies to prepare and respond to TS Opong.
The DSWD is also still in the process of disaster response, providing family food packs and water to communities affected by past cyclones Mirasol and Nando.