Residents in Western Visayas who were affected by previous tropical cyclones are preparing for the possible onslaught of Tropical Depression Basyang in the region.

The Deduro family of Barangay Sapao in Dumangas, for example, has prepared early for a possible preemptive evacuation, as they dwell along the coast, a high risk-prone area.

“Naghahanda rin. Tapos may plano rin silang pumunta sa evacuation center. Lahat naghahanda na ng kanilang gamit,” Boy Deduro, a member of the family, said.

Klea Sol Dogomeo, another resident, said she has learned from the effects of past typhoons. Earlier, she secured the roof their house and tied ropes around house posts. 

“Upang hindi masira ang ating bahay. Ihihahanda ang aming mga haligi upang huwag bumigay,” Dogomeo said.

Fishermen have also prepared for the possible transfer of their boats to safer grounds in case of a storm surge.

Based on forecast of state weather bureau PAGASA, Tropical Depression Basyang is expected to hit Negros Occidental and Western Visayas from Friday, February 6, 2026 to Saturday, February 7.

“Possible nasa 55–70 kph. Ang rainfall expect natin dahil malapit tayo sa kanyang sentro. May moderate to heavy or sometimes intense na pag-ulan,” Charlie Depra, PAGASA-Iloilo weather forecaster, said.

While Basyang is yet within the tropical depression category, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 6 has intensified its preparation measures and urged residents to stay vigilant, never to be complacent. 

“I-continue talaga and enhance ang ating risk communication upang maiparating sa communities. Hindi natin maaaring ma-underestimate regardless the category ng ating tropical cyclone,” said Atty. Melissa Banias, chief of DRRM Division and Operations Section of OCD 6.

In Bacolod City, residents along the riverside are also preparing for the effects of the tropical cyclone.

The Parar family, as of this writing, is preoccupied with stuffing necessities into their Go Bags for possible mandatory evacuation.

“Nagliligpit, naghahanda na. Mabilis tumaas ang tubig kaya kagabi pa nakahanda na kami ng mga damit,” said Remo Parar, a member of the family.

Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) emergency responders and their equipment are prepositioned already for the possible effects of the weather disturbance.

“Nag-raise na tayo sa Red Alert status in which nag-activate na ang ating iba’t-ibang provincial response clusters. Mas madaling i-tap kung may kailangan, in case of deployment,” according to Bryll Larry Sañor, deputy chief of Negros Occidental PDRRMO.