By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the situation briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on the aftermath of Super Typhoon Nando and preparations for the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong on Thursday.
In the meeting with key government officials, the Chief Executive expressed approval of the prepositioning of relief goods and critical equipment needed to conduct prompt disaster response to areas that may be stricken by the weather system.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said, noting the President’s sentiments on the current state of disaster preparedness, “The interagency coordinating cell is working really well. The President was satisfied with the extent of preparation and the prepositioning of needed goods and supplies, particularly in Batanes.”
Teodoro, however, noted the challenges associated with restoring electricity in parts of Northern Luzon amid the readiness of concerned agencies for the incoming storm.
He also noted that as of press time, the government is catering to the needs of approximately 7,000 evacuees vis-à-vis the ongoing damage assessment of the devastation left behind by Super Typhoon Nando.
When asked by reporters on the availability of funds to sustain the disaster intervention operations, the Defense chief provided assurance of sufficient finances in response to the threat posed by Severe Tropical Storm Opong in Bicol Region, where it is expected to make landfall on Friday.
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