Volunteers in Manila scoop buckets of rice into plastic bags as part of aid preparations for residents in the path of Typhoon Hagupit.

The storm, just downgraded from 'super' typhoon, is barreling towards the country's eastern coasts and is expected to make landfall early Sunday.

The potentially disastrous storm has officials taking proactive measures.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL DISASTER AGENCY SPOKESMAN ALEXANDER PAMA SAYING:

"Definitely it's threatening so we, as I've said over and over again, we leave, as much as possible we leave no stone unturned, so to speak. Of course the preparation is being undertaken, in all respects."

In Tacloban City, where thousands are still recovering from Typhoon Hayian that hit last year at this time, massive evacuations have been ordered.

Here, vacancies are filling up fast.

We need food, this woman says. Have some consideration for us elderly people.

Evacuation centers are also filling up on Samar I