Following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has prepositioned manpower and equipment in the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley to address the potential impacts of Super Typhoon Leon.

DPWH Assistant Regional Director Mathias Malenab said 1,113 personnel, along with 102 heavy equipment units, 85 motor vehicles, and 2,190 light equipment units, are on standby across district offices in the Ilocos region.

Malenab assured the public that DPWH teams are ready to conduct immediate clearing operations to keep roads passable, especially the main highway between Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.

“So, naka-standby lang po ‘yung mga tao natin but if mayroon namang mangyari na ganoon na bago lang, naka antabay po, naka ready ‘yung mga tao natin na mag-clear if ever may mga sections na ganoon po,” Malenab said.

In Region II, Assistant Regional Director Editha Babaran said more than 43 personnel, along with 11 heavy equipment, two motor vehicles, and 12 light equipment are on standby.

While intense weather conditions limited operations in Batanes, field monitoring and preparations for clearing and damage assessment are ongoing.

Both Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions are in close coordination with the DPWH’s central office to ensure they have adequate resources. They may request additional heavy equipment if necessary.

President Marcos directed the DPWH to prioritize road maintenance to sustain the transport of people and resources. | PND