Tropical Storm Basyang Bears Down on Mindanao: A Test of Philippine Resilience and Governance

Tropical Storm Basyang Bears Down on Mindanao: A Test of Philippine Resilience and Governance

As of February 5, 2026, the Philippines once again finds itself bracing for the immediate impact of a significant weather disturbance. Tropical Storm Basyang, locally known as Penha, has intensified and is now bringing Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 to several areas in Mindanao, particularly the eastern and northern portions. This unfolding event serves as a stark reminder of the archipelago's perennial vulnerability to natural hazards and, more importantly, a critical examination of the nation's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, fundamentally rooted in its political and governance structures.

Basyang's Trajectory: A Nation on Alert

Tropical Storm Basyang intensified from a tropical depression into a tropical storm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been diligently tracking its movement and issuing timely advisories. As of Thursday morning, February 5, Basyang was located approximately 385 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. [4] It is moving westward at about 15-20 kilometers per hour (kph) [1, 5], with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. [1, 5]

The storm is projected to make its initial landfall over eastern Mindanao, specifically Surigao del Sur, between Thursday evening, February 5, and early Friday morning, February 6. Following its initial landfall, Basyang is expected to traverse Mindanao before potentially emerging over the Bohol Sea, passing close to Siquijor, and possibly making another landfall over the southern portion of Negros Oriental by Friday afternoon or evening. Its path will then take it over the Sulu Sea and northern Palawan before exiting into the West Philippine Sea. [10, 9]

Signal No. 2: Understanding the Immediate Threat

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 signifies the presence of gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 kph. These winds are capable of causing minor to moderate damage to infrastructure and vegetation. [11, 1] For the residents in affected areas, this is a call for immediate and heightened vigilance.

Areas Currently Under TCWS No. 2 (as of February 5, 2026):

• Surigao del Sur
• Surigao del Norte, including Siargao – Bucas Grande Islands
• Extreme northern portion of Davao Oriental (Boston)
• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Camiguin
• Misamis Oriental
• Northern portion of Bukidnon (specifically Impasug-Ong, Manolo Fortich, Malitbog, Sumilao, Libona, Baungon, City of Malaybalay, Cabanglasan)
• Northeastern Lanao del Norte
• Northeastern Misamis Occidental

Beyond these areas, numerous provinces in Visayas and other parts of Mindanao remain under TCWS No. 1, indicating strong winds are expected. [1, 5]

Anticipated Impacts Under TCWS No. 2:

Impact Category	Description
Structural Damage	Minor to moderate damage to makeshift structures, old dilapidated buildings, and those made of light materials. Houses of poor and average construction may experience minor roof damage. Unsecured lightweight items can become projectiles. [11]
Electrical & Utilities	Some electrical wires may be blown down, leading to localized power outages.
Transportation	Minor to moderate disruption to public transportation is expected.
Agriculture	Most banana and similar plants are likely to be tilted, stooped, or downed. Small trees may be blown over. Significant damage is probable for rice and other crops, particularly those in flowering and ripening stages. [11]

Beyond the Winds: Understanding the Broader Hazards

While strong winds are a primary concern, Tropical Storm Basyang brings with it a host of other dangerous hazards. Heavy to intense rains are forecast for the northern and eastern portions of Mindanao, as well as central and western parts of Visayas. [9, 4] Specifically, areas like Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental are expected to receive 100 mm to 200 mm of rainfall until Thursday evening. [2, 5] This significant rainfall raises the specter of widespread and serious flooding and landslides across many parts of Mindanao, Visayas, and Southern Luzon. [9, 4]

Davao City, for instance, has already been placed under a PAGASA Flood Advisory, highlighting the widespread nature of the rainfall threat.

Furthermore, coastal communities in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Davao Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, and Bohol face a minimal to moderate risk of storm surges, with potential peak heights reaching up to 2.0 meters within the next 48 hours. The surge of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) will also contribute to strong to gale-force gusts over most of Mindanao and other regions. [10, 1] Mariners, especially those on motorbancas and similarly sized vessels, are advised to take precautionary measures and consider avoiding navigation under these conditions due to very rough seas. [10, 1]

The Political Will in Action: A Proactive Government Response

The effective management of natural disasters is a litmus test for governance, requiring robust policy frameworks, coordinated efforts across agencies, and decisive leadership at both national and local levels. The Philippines, being one of the most disaster-prone countries globally [13, 14], has continually refined its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) strategies. This current threat from Basyang sees various government bodies actively engaged in preparedness and response operations.

National Agencies Mobilized:

• PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration): As the primary meteorological agency, PAGASA is at the forefront, providing real-time weather bulletins, forecasts, and crucial warnings. Their accurate and timely information is the foundation upon which all other preparedness measures are built. [10, 1]
• PNP (Philippine National Police): The Philippine National Police has initiated the mobilization of its personnel and resources. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that police units are on high alert for preemptive evacuations and post-disaster response, with maximum deployment in high-risk areas. They are also preparing search and rescue assets and coordinating closely with local government units (LGUs). [8]
• DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development): The DSWD, particularly its Davao regional office, has prepositioned a significant total of 91,807 family food packs (FFPs) for families who may be affected in the Davao region. The agency is currently on a 'Blue Alert,' signifying a heightened state of readiness. [16] DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted that the department has over 3.5 million FFPs strategically located across the country, alongside a Quick Response Fund (QRF) exceeding Php3.04 billion to support relief and early recovery operations. [16]
• NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council): The NDRRMC oversees the comprehensive disaster management framework in the Philippines, encompassing four thematic areas: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery. These pillars guide the coordinated actions of various government and non-government organizations.
• DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways): In Northern Mindanao, the DPWH has proactively closed a major road link to mountain resorts in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, due to the threat of landslides, prioritizing public safety.
• NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines): The NGCP has also assured the public of its readiness to address potential impacts of TS Basyang on power infrastructure.

The Crucial Role of Local Government Units (LGUs):

LGUs are recognized as the frontline responders in any disaster scenario, a responsibility enshrined in the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121). Their proximity to the communities makes their role indispensable. Key responsibilities include:

• Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying areas and populations most at risk.
• Information and Education Campaigns (IEC): Educating residents on potential impacts and necessary actions.
• Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Meetings: Convening stakeholders to plan and coordinate responses.
• Evacuation Management: Establishing and managing evacuation centers and ensuring safe relocation of affected residents.
• Emergency Services: Conducting rescue operations and providing immediate relief.

In response to Basyang, local executives have already taken decisive action. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy, for example, declared the suspension of work for all government offices and face-to-face classes for elementary and secondary schools, effective Thursday noon until Friday noon. [19] Similarly, authorities in Camiguin are actively advising residents to monitor official weather advisories and implement precautionary measures. [15] The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in Davao City has also raised its alert level. [12]

Lessons from the Past: Mindanao's Resilience in the Face of Storms

The Philippines, and Mindanao in particular, is no stranger to the devastating effects of tropical cyclones. On average, about 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) annually, with approximately 90% of them directly affecting the country. [24] Mindanao has, in recent memory, endured the wrath of powerful storms such as Typhoon Bopha (2012), Typhoon Tembin (2017), Typhoon Vongfong (2020), and Typhoon Rai (2021). [17] These historical events underscore the continuous need for robust and evolving DRRM strategies.

The economic toll of these disasters is immense. Between 2011 and 2021, the Philippines suffered over PhP 673.30 billion in losses and damages from tropical cyclones alone. [17] Projections indicate that climate change could impact 7.6% of the country's GDP by 2030, rising to 13.6% by 2040. [17] This highlights the long-term political and economic imperative of strengthening resilience.

Strengthening the Fabric of Resilience: Policy and Implementation

The Philippines' comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management policy framework, primarily anchored in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121) and the Climate Change Act, represents a shift from a reactive to a proactive, all-hazard approach with a strong emphasis on local participation. The devolution of DRRM functions to LGUs under these laws is a critical component, empowering local communities to be at the forefront of preparedness and response. [13, 23]

However, the implementation of these policies at the local level is not without its challenges. Issues such as policy implementation gaps, lack of technical capacities, resource mismatches, and the effective utilization of local disaster risk reduction and management funds have been identified as constraints. [13] Addressing these challenges requires sustained political commitment, continuous capacity-building initiatives for LGUs, and strengthened coordination mechanisms between national and local government bodies.

Efforts by agencies like the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through programs like the Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level aim to address these structural and coordination bottlenecks, emphasizing the integration of DRRM into local planning and infrastructure investment. This proactive stance ensures that disaster management is not just a reactive measure but an integral part of sustainable development and governance.

The Human Element: Community Preparedness and Solidarity

Ultimately, the success of any disaster response hinges on the preparedness and cooperation of the affected communities. Residents are consistently urged to monitor official advisories from PAGASA [14], prepare emergency kits (flashlights, batteries, first aid, ready-to-eat food) [10], keep communication devices charged [10], and secure their homes and belongings. For those in low-lying areas, elevating household items and being ready for preemptive evacuation are crucial steps. [10, 24]

The Philippine spirit of 'bayanihan' – community solidarity – plays a vital role during these challenging times. The collective effort of citizens, working in conjunction with government initiatives, forms the strongest defense against the fury of nature. Responsible reporting and sharing of accurate information are also paramount to avoid misinformation and ensure effective community response. [15]

Conclusion

Tropical Storm Basyang's current threat to Mindanao is more than just a weather event; it is a live demonstration of the Philippines' ongoing battle against natural hazards. The coordinated efforts of national agencies, the frontline actions of local government units, and the resilience of the Filipino people are all being tested. As Basyang makes its anticipated landfall, the focus remains on minimizing casualties and damage, a goal that can only be achieved through continued vigilance, proactive governance, and an empowered, informed citizenry. The political commitment to strengthening DRRM policies and ensuring their effective implementation at every level of government is not just a necessity but a moral imperative for building a truly disaster-resilient Philippines.

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Sources

1. gmanetwork.com
2. pna.gov.ph
3. pna.gov.ph
4. abs-cbn.com
5. pna.gov.ph
6. dost.gov.ph
7. gulfnews.com
8. pna.gov.ph

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