CEZA’s Quick Action in the
Aftermath of Typhoon Marce and
Ofel Commended by Victims

The CEZA Quick Response Team (QRT) has, since then, supplemented the disaster operations of the local government units (LGUs). During the recent typhoons, Marce and Ofel, CEZA provided assistance through the transport of the residents for evacuation and rescue operations, among others.

Following the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Marce (Yinxing) that battered Northern Luzon, especially many areas in Cagayan, on November 7 to 8, 2024, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) gained a handful of gratitude and appreciation from the typhoon victims for the former’s quick response and active engagement post-Marce and -Ofel.

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Marce (Yinxing) on Northern Luzon, particularly in Cagayan, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) has earned gratitude for its swift response and active engagement in the aftermath of the storm. With Typhoon Marce expected to make landfall in Sta. Ana, Cagayan—a region that includes the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport—Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile immediately convened the CEZA team to prepare for the storm.

In an interview, Punong Barangay Nelia A. Dela Cruz of Palawig expressed her constituent’s gratitude for the immediate aid provided by CEZA, through Sec. Enrile. Meanwhile, Mr. Panchito Aytona, a senior citizen beneficiary, expressed his appreciation and gratefulness to CEZA for making sure that the help extended for the relief operations included senior citizen beneficiaries who would really need this kind of assistance, especially from calamities. In another interview, Ms. Leslie Aganon, a local resident, also added that the support like this, no matter what the financial value, would really be a big help for the relief of typhoon victims. “Sumasapul lang kuma nga haan nga agsirding dayta a tulung yu kada amin nga magrigrigyat.” (We hope that you won’t stop extending help to the needy people.)

With the anticipation that Typhoon Marce would make a landfall in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, which covers mostly the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport territory, Sec. Katrine Ponce Enrile, CEZA Head, immediately gathered the CEZA team and gave directives to prepare for the Typhoon. “Pre-, during, and post- disaster measures should be carefully deliberated so that we can provide quick response, which is very crucial in our ability to save lives and help in the recovery,” she stressed out during the pre-typhoon meeting.

Throughout the storm, Sec. Enrile personally monitored the situation in Cagayan, ensuring immediate assistance for affected communities. She coordinated with various government agencies, including local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to ensure that concerns related to the typhoon were promptly addressed.

Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile and her two deputy administrators, Atty. Marichelle De Guzman and Dr. Perla Tumaliuan, made sure to personally check the preparations of the relief goods for the typhoon victims.

The CEZA team also maintained active coordination with these agencies before, during, and after the typhoon. The CEZA Quick Response Team (QRT) was on standby 24/7 for monitoring and rescue operations.

By November 8, 2024, Sec. Enrile had already arranged for relief operations. “We acknowledge that the first 72 hours post-disaster are crucial, so it’s vital we act fast and respond promptly,” she said. Relief items, including rice, water, instant noodles, bread, canned goods, and matchsticks, were ordered and delivered by November 9, 2024. Recognizing the need for additional support, Sec. Enrile reached out to private entities and even personally donated canned goods from Delimondo.

By November 10, 2024, the CEZA team began preparing relief packages, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s visit to Buguey, Cagayan. (PBBM Visit) Sec. Enrile and the CEZA team supported the President during his onsite inspection. The relief distribution began on November 11, 2024, initially benefiting 1,129 families in the low-lying, coastal areas, far-flung locations, and indigenous communities of Sta. Ana and Barangay Caroan in Buguey, Cagayan. Between November 12 and 13, 2024, an additional 935 families across all barangays in Sta. Ana received aid.

Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile made sure she was on top of the monitoring and response activities pre-, during, and post- Marce and Ofel, and led the CEZA relief operations herself.

Relief operations paused briefly on November 13, 2024, due to the arrival of Typhoon Ofel (Usagi) and while awaiting further donations from partners, including Alpha Fortune, Philip Morris, and Landers. However, operations resumed from November 19, 2024, providing continued aid to flooded households, evacuees, and senior citizens.

“Despite the several typhoons that recently hit our area, we are thankful that no casualties have been reported. We are also grateful to our donors for supplementing our relief efforts with food packs, clothing, and bedding. The typhoon victims, despite the damage to their homes and properties, expressed immense gratitude for our presence and support during this difficult time,” Sec. Enrile shared. “As long as I lead CEZA, I will ensure that community support in various forms remains a key part of our programs.”

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