A spirit of resilience and unity marks Central Luzon this week as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and partner agencies gear up for the Serbisyo Caravan 2025 in Tarlac — even as neighboring provinces Aurora and Bataan celebrate zero casualties following the devastation of Super Typhoon Uwan.
Themed “Hacienda Luisita: Imahe sa Pagtataguyod ng Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan,” the caravan will take place on November 16, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. in Tarlac City, coinciding with the 21st Commemoration of the Hacienda Luisita Incident.
Led by the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, together with the 1st Civil Relations Group, 7th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the Northern Luzon Command, the event is being organized in partnership with national and local agencies such as NICA 3, TPPO, PESO Tarlac, PSWDO, DAR, the Department of Agriculture, and the LGU Tarlac.
The caravan will extend free government and social services — including medical consultations, job fair opportunities, and personal care programs — to at least 750 beneficiaries from local cooperatives and people’s organizations like MALAYA, AMBALA, Cut-Cut II Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Central Azucarera de Tarlac Cooperative, and Ungot Coconut Village Cooperative.
According to the AFP, the initiative aims to strengthen peace and development efforts in former conflict-affected communities while promoting collaboration among the government, private sector, and residents.
“Ang Serbisyo Caravan ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa — ng pamahalaan, ng militar, at ng mamamayan — para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino,” an AFP spokesperson said.
Aurora: Zero Casualties Amid Uwan’s Wrath
In Aurora province, the Municipality of Dinalungan recorded zero casualties after bearing the brunt of Super Typhoon Uwan’s landfall. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), coordinated rescue and relief operations prevented loss of life despite severe winds and flooding.
Mayor Joel Vargas assured residents that recovery efforts are underway:
“Hindi natin pababayaan ang ating mga kababayan. Patuloy ang pagtutok sa bawat barangay para may makakain, may malinis na tubig, at may matutuluyan ang lahat. Sama-sama tayong babangon, Dinalungan.”
Over 2,522 families or 7,325 individuals were affected, with 1,621 evacuees still in temporary shelters. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 1,000 family food packs, with 3,000 more on the way. Utility restoration continues, with the DPWH clearing roads and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) restoring power in stages.
Bataan: Preparedness Saves Thousands
In Bataan, proactive disaster planning proved effective as thousands were safely evacuated ahead of the typhoon’s peak. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that 29,602 families or nearly 100,000 individuals were affected, but no fatalities occurred.
Preemptive evacuations began as early as November 8, with residents in flood-prone and coastal areas moved to safety. Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III praised the coordinated response, saying:
“Ang maagap na paglikas ay hindi lamang hakbang ng pag-iingat — ito ay hakbang para iligtas ang buhay ng ating pamilya at komunidad.”
While Uwan caused nearly ₱900,000 in agricultural damage, provincial and city governments are already implementing rehabilitation measures and distributing relief goods.
United for Resilience
From Tarlac’s peace caravan to Aurora’s recovery and Bataan’s readiness, Central Luzon stands as a symbol of unity amid challenges. As the region remembers the lessons of the past and faces new storms ahead, communities continue to prove that collective effort — from the military to the smallest barangay — remains the key to lasting peace and recovery.
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