Surigao: The Port Management Office (PMO) Surigao has activated full-scale preparations for Typhoon Tino, implementing hard lessons learned from the devastation of Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. 'The PMO Surigao implements full-scale storm preparedness ahead to the onslaught of Typhoon Tino,' Port Management Office media relations officer Noli Nusog said in an interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nusog stated that operations personnel and port police are on alert and response-ready. A key improvement is the installation of steel roll-up barriers on the administration and passenger terminal buildings, a PHP2-million project completed in September 2024. "These protective barriers were originally installed after Typhoon Odette's strong winds shattered the then-unprotected glass," Nusog said.

The port has also adopted new protocols to avoid stranded passengers, coordinating with local governments to house them instead of at the port, which is vulnerable to storm surges. This change was driven by Odette's experience, where powerful surges in Lipata Terminal wiped out the ground floor and dislodged a massive X-ray machine.

Inside the port, all electronic devices and critical documents have been securely wrapped in protective plastic for added defense against water and wind. Similar protective measures are in place at the Port of San Jose in Dinagat Islands, Port of Dapa in Siargao Islands, and Lipata Ferry Terminal.

Nusog noted that due to suspended sea travel, 163 rolling cargoes and 325 freight truck personnel are currently queued at the highway leading to the Lipata Ferry Terminal. The PMO Surigao is coordinating with local disaster councils to ensure the safety of all port facilities and personnel.