Ako Bicol Partylist mobilizes aid ahead of 'Pepito's' landfall

LEGAZPI CITY – Ako Bicol Partylist led by Rep. Zaldy Co has intensified its disaster preparedness initiatives to safeguard residents as Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) approaches the Bicol Region.

The partylist, with support from House Speaker Martin Romualdez, reaffirmed its dedication to community welfare.

"In any calamity, our primary goal is everyone's safety. Ako Bicol remains steadfast in assisting – from relief packs to ensuring readiness for any disaster. Now more than ever, we must unite as a community," Co said in a statement on Saturday.

New rubber boats were distributed to various municipalities and government agencies, enhancing the region's emergency response capabilities.

Heavy equipment is on standby to address potential landslides, floods, and other hazards associated with the typhoon.

"The new rubber boats and heavy equipment are part of our efforts to ensure preparedness in such situations. They are investments in the safety and resilience of our region. We thanked Speaker Martin for helping us ensure that local governments and responders in the Bicol region have the tools they need to help save lives and protect communities," Co added.

He urged residents to prioritize safety through preemptive evacuation.

"To our fellow Bicolanos, always choose safety. If you know your area is at risk, don't wait – evacuate immediately," he advised. "Life is most important. Let's work together to prepare for this typhoon," he said.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed, heed official warnings, and cooperate with evacuation efforts to minimize risks posed by Pepito.

Co added that for assistance, individuals may contact Ako Bicol area coordinators or local government units.

As of 5 p.m., Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 5 was hoisted in Catanduanes and the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion).

TCWS No. 4 up over Camarines Norte, the northern and southeastern portions of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, Sagñay, Calabanga), and the northeastern portion of Albay (City of Tabaco, Tiwi, Malinao, Malilipot, Bacacay, Rapu-Rapu.

TWCS No. 3 up over Polillo Islands, the northern and eastern portions of mainland Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Buenavista, Lopez, Quezon, Perez, Alabat, Gumaca, Plaridel, Atimonan, Mauban, Real, General Nakar, Infanta), the rest of Camarines Sur, the rest of Albay, and the northern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat, Barcelona, Castilla, Casiguran, Pilar, Donsol).

In the Visayas Region, the same warning is up over the eastern and central portions of Northern Samar (Palapag, Laoang, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Catubig, Pambujan, Las Navas, Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Mondragon, San Roque, Silvino Lobos, Lope de Vega, San Jose) and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Oras, Jipapad).

TWCS No. 2 is declared over the southern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, Cordon, Ramon, Alicia, City of Cauayan, Angadanan, City of Santiago, San Isidro, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, San Guillermo, San Mariano, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Palanan, Gamu, San Manuel, Burgos, Aurora, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Cabatuan, San Mateo), Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, the rest of Quezon, Laguna, Marinduque, the rest of Sorsogon, Burias Island, and Ticao Island.

Also in the central portion of Eastern Samar (Dolores, Maslog, Can-Avid, Taft, Sulat, San Julian, City of Borongan), the northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, Calbayog City, Santa Margarita, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Tarangnan, Motiong, Gandara, Jiabong, City of Catbalogan, Paranas, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, Pagsanghan), and the rest of Northern Samar.

The mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Batangas, the northern portion of Occidental Mindoro (Sablayan, Santa Cruz, Mamburao, Abra de Ilog, Paluan) including Lubang Islands, the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro (Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Naujan, Baco, Victoria, Socorro, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Gloria, Pola, City of Calapan, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay), Romblon, and the rest of Masbate, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Samar, Biliran, the northern and central portions of Leyte (Tunga, Pastrana, San Miguel, Matag-Ob, Tolosa, Palo, Calubian, Leyte, Mayorga, Julita, Carigara, Babatngon, Dagami, Jaro, San Isidro, Santa Fe, Albuera, Villaba, La Paz, Palompon, Macarthur, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Merida, Ormoc City, Isabel, Dulag, Capoocan, Alangalang, Burauen, Tabango, Tacloban City, Kananga, Barugo, Abuyog, Javier, City of Baybay, Mahaplag), the northeastern portion of Southern Leyte (Silago), the northernmost portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin) including Bantayan Islands, and the northernmost portion of Iloilo (Carles), and the northern portion of Dinagat Islands (Loreto, Tubajon) are under TWCS No. 1. (PNA)