LGU Santo Tomas: United and Prepared in the Face of Super Typhoon Uwan
In the wake of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: FUNG-WONG), the Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, Pangasinan, led by Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, demonstrated proactive leadership, swift action, and compassion in ensuring the safety and welfare of every Tomasino — from preparedness to recovery.
Preparedness and Coordination
As early as November 7, 2025, Mayor Villar convened an emergency meeting through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to strategize and coordinate the municipality’s response to the approaching typhoon. Representatives from key agencies and sectors including the Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Social Welfare, DepEd, PNP, BFP, MLGOO, and Barangay Officials actively participated in outlining plans such as prepositioning of supplies, stockpiling of food and medicines, and preparing evacuation centers.
To ensure readiness, classes and government work were suspended starting November 10, 2025, except for vital services. Mayor Villar emphasized unity, vigilance, and early preparation as crucial to minimizing risk.
Precautionary Measures and Early Action
On November 8, 2025, following the emergency meeting, LGU teams began tree pruning and clearing operations along major roads and power lines to prevent accidents during strong winds. Residents in low-lying and hazard-prone areas were urged to evacuate early, with barangay officials coordinating safe relocation efforts. The entire municipality remained on full alert through continuous monitoring and coordination with disaster agencies.
During the Onslaught
As Uwan made landfall, Mayor Villar personally visited evacuation centers in Barangay San Antonio and other barangays to ensure evacuees’ safety and comfort. He also monitored the Agno River’s water level to assess possible flooding.
To maintain order and safety, the LGU implemented a municipal-wide curfew (10 PM to 4 AM) and a temporary liquor ban through Executive Orders. Despite power interruptions, Mayor and Vice Mayor Villar tirelessly led relief operations, delivering food packs and essential supplies to evacuees housed in schools and evacuation centers.
Their compassion was further shown as they personally joined the clearing operations with the PNP, BFP, barangay officials, and rescue teams—responding to incidents such as a fallen mango tree blocking the road in front of San Jose Elementary School and assessing damaged structures in affected areas. The RHU and MSWDO also conducted medical checks and distributed medicines and vitamins to ensure evacuees, especially children and the elderly, were safe and healthy.
Aftermath and Recovery
Following the storm’s passage, November 11, 2025 was declared suspension of classes in all levels and a non-working day in Santo Tomas to allow for recovery and clearing operations. The LGU immediately conducted a Post-Disaster Needs Analysis (PDNA) led by Mayor Villar and Vice Mayor Villar with the MDRRMO, PNP, BFP, MLGOO, MSWDO, MAO, RHU, and BDRRMOs.
The assessment focused on identifying damages, addressing urgent needs, and planning rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in affected communities.
In a gesture of empathy, the Mayor and Vice Mayor also visited affected families, including one in Barangay Salvacion whose home was hit by a fallen tree, ensuring that necessary assistance was provided. Both leaders expressed profound gratitude to responders, volunteers, and partner agencies for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice throughout the crisis.
A Testament of Bayanihan and Leadership
Through unified effort, swift action, and compassionate governance, the Local Government of Santo Tomas turned adversity into a testament of resilience and bayanihan. Guided by the leadership of Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, Santo Tomas once again proved that preparedness, coordination, and care for one another are the true foundations of a disaster-resilient community.
Paspas Santo Tomas!
