The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) commended the local government units (LGUs) of Masbate for their swift and decisive preparedness measures that helped minimize the impact of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Opong,” which made two landfalls in the province on September 26, 2025.

Based on DILG monitoring, 95.45% of critical preparedness actions were completed across all LGUs in Masbate before the storm’s arrival. All 21 LGUs, including the provincial government, Masbate City, and 20 municipalities, were fully briefed on the weather disturbance and activated their disaster preparedness protocols under the Operation Listo program.

These proactive measures proved vital as the province faced widespread infrastructure damage, province-wide power outages, and communication disruptions during the storm. More than 3,400 families, or 12,500 individuals, were safely evacuated ahead of landfall, significantly reducing potential casualties.

The provincial government also declared a province-wide State of Calamity to enable the immediate release of emergency funds and resources, while class and work suspensions were promptly implemented to ensure the safety of residents.

The Department emphasized that the performance of Masbate LGUs highlights the life-saving value of preparedness. “When local governments act early and act together, communities are protected. What happened in Masbate shows that strong local leadership, backed by clear protocols, makes the difference in times of crisis,” the Department said.

The DILG stressed that these actions reflect the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen local capacities and build a disaster-ready Philippines. “The President has been consistent: resilience begins at the local level. Masbate’s experience demonstrates how this mandate can be turned into effective, on-the-ground action that saves lives and livelihoods,” the Department added.

The DILG urged all LGUs nationwide to sustain their preparedness efforts and continuously improve their response capabilities as the country braces for more severe weather disturbances in the coming months.

Original Article At:https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/MASBATE-LGUs-EARLY-ACTIONS-PROVED-CRUCIAL-AS-STS-OPONG-BATTERED-PROVINCE-/NC-2025-1215