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The Philippine Ports Authority gave assurances that the movement of relief goods for earthquake-hit areas in Cebu remains a top priority at ports while it rolls out emergency response procedures for Typhoon Paolo (international name: Matmo) in northern Luzon
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All major ports remain safe and fully operational, with no major damage reported to facilities as of Friday morning
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As of 11 a.m. October 3, weather bureau PAGASA reported that Typhoon Paolo made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela and was sweeping through the northern provinces
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“All Port Management Offices have been instructed to secure port facilities and equipment, coordinate closely with the Philippine Coast Guard ,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said
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Relief cargo and essential supplies are being prioritized to prevent delays if sea conditions worsen
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) gave assurances that the movement of relief goods for earthquake-hit areas in Cebu remains a top priority at ports while it rolls out emergency response procedures for Typhoon Paolo (international name: Matmo) in northern Luzon.
PPA said all major ports remain safe and fully operational, with no major damage reported to facilities.
As of 11 a.m. October 3, weather bureau PAGASA reported that Typhoon Paolo made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela and was sweeping through the northern provinces with tropical cyclone wind signals raised to as high as 4 out of 5 in some parts.
“In line with this, PPA has activated its typhoon contingency measures in anticipation of Tropical Storm Paolo. All Port Management Offices have been instructed to secure port facilities and equipment, coordinate closely with the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure vessel safety, and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of weather advisories,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said in a statement.
He added that shipments carrying relief goods and essential supplies are being prioritized to prevent delays should sea conditions worsen.
Santiago underscored the strategic role of ports during emergencies, saying “ports serve as lifelines during times of crisis,” noting their importance not just for trade and travel, but also for delivering timely relief and enabling recovery efforts.
READ: Cebu international sea, air ports back to normal operations after earthquake
The agency is implementing its Public Service Continuity Plan or PSCP, a framework adopted in 2018 to safeguard uninterrupted port services during natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. The plan emphasizes the rapid restoration of operations, prioritization of relief cargo, strict safety protocols, and protection of passengers and port workers.
To strengthen its disaster readiness, PPA conducts quarterly nationwide earthquake and emergency drills for all personnel. These exercises ensure that port staff are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively during crises.
