President Marcos placed the entire government on full alert as Typhoon Uwan approached Northern Luzon, ordering swift preemptive evacuations, rapid-response deployments, and close coordination among national agencies and local governments.

“Naka-full alert ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan at agad kumilos upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (All government agencies are now on full alert and have taken immediate action to ensure the safety of our fellow Filipinos),” the President said in a statement ahead of the storm’s expected landfall on Sunday.

Marcos said all available assets from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had been mobilized to ensure quick evacuation and response operations.

He noted that the DOTr and LTFRB had already deployed buses and trucks for evacuation efforts, while the DSWD and AFP pre-positioned relief goods, lifeboats, and rescue vehicles in high-risk provinces.

Under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), preemptive evacuations are ongoing in vulnerable areas as part of the government’s “zero casualty” goal.

The President said toll fees had been suspended for emergency convoys and responders, while special lanes were designated to allow faster access to flood-prone regions.

Marcos added that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local governments were conducting clearing operations to unclog waterways and remove debris from major roads. Several malls and commercial buildings have also opened their parking areas to residents in flood-prone zones.

“Pinapaalalahanan ko ang lahat na manatiling mahinahon at huwag maging kampante. Sumunod sa mga abiso ng inyong LGU at agad lumikas kung kayo ay nakatira sa delikadong lugar (I remind everyone to remain calm and not be complacent. Follow the advisories of your local government and evacuate immediately if you live in a danger zone),” he said.

He urged residents to keep essential supplies ready, stay alert for official bulletins, and prioritize safety above all else.

“Magkaisa tayo. Ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga (Let us unite. Every second counts),” he said.

For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte issued an extensive public advisory, warning that Typhoon Uwan could intensify into a super typhoon by Nov. 9 or 10, bringing winds exceeding 185 kilometers per hour and severe flooding.

She said Signal No. 5 may be raised in parts of Central and Northern Luzon, warning of extreme winds, torrential rain, landslides, and coastal storm surges.

“Ang ganitong kalakas na hangin ay maaaring magpatumba ng mga puno, makasira ng mga bahay, at magdulot ng pagkawala ng kuryente at komunikasyon (Winds this strong can topple trees, damage homes, and cause power and communication outages),” Duterte said.

She also cautioned residents near rivers, slopes, and coastlines to evacuate early and avoid unnecessary travel during and after the storm.

Among her key reminders: secure homes and loose objects, stock food and water good for at least three days, fully charge phones and power banks, and keep communication plans within families in case of separation during evacuation.

“Maghanda tayo habang wala pa ang bagyo para mapanigurado ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Mas mabuti nang labis ang paghahanda kaysa walang kahandaan (Let us prepare while the storm has not yet arrived to ensure everyone’s safety. It is better to be overprepared than unprepared),” the Vice President said.

She likewise called for vigilance and compassion during this time of need.

“Tumulong tayo sa mga matatanda, may kapansanan, at mga bata. Subaybayan ang mga opisyal na ulat at manatiling ligtas (Let us help the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children. Follow official updates and stay safe),” Duterte said.