Tandag City strengthens disaster preparedness as mayor leads emergency meeting ahead of STS Tino
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, (PIA) — In a proactive move to ensure public safety and disaster readiness, Tandag City Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel, who also chairs the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), convened an emergency Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on November 2 as Severe Tropical Storm Tino threatens the Caraga region.
Held at the City DRRM Office Conference Room in Barangay Awasian, the meeting gathered punong barangays, CDRRMC members, and representatives from response and support clusters to assess potential impacts and finalize contingency measures.
Blaize Christian Perez, meteorologist and researcher from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), presented the latest weather update, warning that the tropical storm could bring heavy rains and strong winds that may affect parts of the province in the coming days.
The mayor emphasized the importance of early coordination and preparedness among barangays to ensure the safety of residents, particularly those living in flood-prone and coastal areas. She underscored that the city’s disaster readiness is anchored on collaboration, vigilance, and timely action.
“I am reminding all barangay officials to activate your respective Barangay DRRMCs, disseminate early warnings, and implement necessary precautionary measures,” Pimentel said.
Following the PDRA meeting, the mayor issued Executive Order No. 46, series of 2025, entitled, “An Order Directing Actions to Be Taken in the City of Tandag in Response to Severe Tropical Storm (STS) ‘Tino’ (Kalmaegi),” which outlines specific directives to enhance public safety and preparedness.
The Executive Order mandated the following:
* The City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated effective November 2 until further notice;
* A “No Sail” and “No Sea and River Activities” policy is enforced until lifted;
* Preemptive evacuation of residents in identified high-risk areas is ordered effective 1:00 PM on November 3;
* Classes in all levels, both public and private, are suspended from November 3–4 or until further notice; and
* Outdoor tourism-related activities within the city are temporarily suspended beginning November 3.
These proactive measures reflect Tandag City’s strong commitment to disaster risk reduction and resilience-building, Pimentel said.
With established protocols and strengthened coordination between the city government, barangay councils, and partner agencies, the local government aims to ensure that every Tandaganon remains safe, informed, and prepared amid the looming threat of the storm.
All Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) were instructed to activate their operations, disseminate timely early warnings, and enforce precautionary measures within their respective jurisdictions.
“Let us remain vigilant and cooperative as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of every Tandaganon,” Pimentel added. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)