An estimated 900 households will add up to the number of persons that have remained at evacuation centers as Mandaue City prepares for Tropical Depression Verbena.

This after a preemptive evacuation was ordered at deemed danger zones, following threats posed by TD Verbena on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Evacuees affected heavily by Typhoon Tino have remained for three weeks now at the Mandaue City Central School in Barangay Alang-alang. Fresh memories of Typhoon Tino’s onslaught made the threats of Tropical Depression Verbena disturbing.

“Kuyawan na sab mig balik uy. First time to namo nahitabo gyud naabot sa second floor. Kuyawan naman mig naay ingon ani uy, kay naa mi sa sapa gyud,” Marietta Lauron, a resident, said.

Another resident, Dexter Maureal, said that the November 4, 2025 experience was a first for him, and that it was harrowing.

“Sa tinood lang dugay na mi sige’g moagi baha diha kadto ra mi kasuway nga ingon adto kakusog, kadako,” Maureal said.

The new set of evacuees have started arriving at the said school noontime on Monday, November 24, 2025, such as the Guinita family who dwell along the riverside.

“Akong gikuyawan akong pamilya butang lang nako sa luwas nga kuan ba, bahala’g ako ray magkuan sa gamit. I-safety ra nako sila,” said Melquisedec Guinita, a riverside community resident. 

Mayor Thadeo Jovito (Jonkie) Ouano convened city officials for a pre-disaster risk assessment morning on November 24. Officials of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), barangay officials, and other government agencies attended the meeting.

Preemptive evacuation was ordered for the safety of about 900 households living along the Butuanon River and Mahiga Creek, and other flood-stricken areas.

“Mag preemptive na lang gyud ta kay lahi ni siya sa unang mga bagyo, after sa Bagyong Tino, ang atong drainage sa siyudad na-clog na gyud, any amount of rainfall bisan dili daghan, mobaha-baha na gyud ta. Kadtong dili part adto call sa punong barangay,” Ouano said.

According to Buddy Ybañez, CDRRMO head, the standard number is at 9,000 households.

“Ang atong standard ana is 9,000 households all over the city na, pero ang prioritize nato, along Butuanon and Mahiga kay ang absorption capacity niya gamay na lang and wa ma-desilt,” Ybañez said.

Concerns on food and relief assistance for evacuees were also discussed during the meeting. The city has assured of ample supply.

“Before man gud nag-food packs ta, it was not enough na-delay ta, not enough ang supplier, apektado sab sila. So we will go to the barangay, we will have a community kitchen concept,” according to Glydiza Gochoco, focal person of Mandaue City Social Welfare Services.