Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora-The Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened this afternoon for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting to finalize preparations ahead of the anticipated landfall of Tropical Cyclone Paolo. The meeting was held at the Provincial DRRM Emergency Operations Center in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora.

The session was presided over by Governor Isidro P. Galban, joined by Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue, Provincial Administrator Shierwin Taay, and Board Member Ena Tablang, chairperson of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Relief Operations. Representatives from various response clusters, local governments, and national agencies were also in attendance.

Armando D. Avenilla Jr., Chief of DOST-PAGASA Aurora, presented the latest weather update, warning that Aurora is among the provinces directly in Paolo’s path. The storm is forecast to make landfall tomorrow morning, October 3, 2025.

Key Measures Adopted

The PDRRMC outlined several crucial preparedness actions, including:

• Activation of the Emergency Command Center

• Inventory of family food packs and other essential supplies

• Strengthened coordination with municipal governments and national agencies for rapid response

• Close monitoring and readiness of response clusters, namely:

o Food and Non-Food Items Cluster (PSWDO, DSWD, NFA) o Health Cluster (PHO, DOH) o Protection and Camp Coordination Cluster (PSWDO)

o Logistics Cluster (PDRRMO, PGSO) o Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (DICT, PAIAD) o Law and Order Cluster (Aurora Police Provincial Office)

o Education Cluster (DepEd)

o Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Cluster (AFP, BFP, PCG, PNP)

o Management of the Dead and Missing Cluster (DILG)

o Agriculture Cluster (OPA)

o Infrastructure Cluster (PEO, Equipment Pool, DPWH)

Engr. Egargue underscored the importance of collaboration among all sectors to ensure a swift and well-coordinated disaster response.

Governor’s Statement: “Safety Above All”

Governor Galban emphasized that protecting lives remains the provincial government’s top priority.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of our people. That is why as early as now, we are ensuring that all measures are in place for a rapid response to Typhoon Paolo’s impact. I call on everyone to cooperate and follow the advisories of local officials to stay safe,” he said.

As part of precautionary measures, Governor Galban also announced the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government offices starting tomorrow, October 3, 2025. He further reminded residents—particularly those in low-lying areas, near rivers, coastal zones, and landslide-prone sites—to remain vigilant.

The initiative forms part of the Governor’s broader program focused on safety, preparedness, and public welfare in times of calamities. (Jason de Asis) Caption: Gov. Isidro P. Galban led the PDRRMC meeting to finalize Aurora’s preparations for the expected landfall of Typhoon Paolo. Safety measures, supply readiness, and inter-agency coordination were reinforced to ensure the protection of every Auroreno. (Jason de Asis)