By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured Filipinos affected by widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) that the government is maintaining a round-the-clock response to provide immediate assistance and relief to affected communities.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday said President Marcos Jr. spent the week monitoring the situation, personally inspecting flood-hit areas in Bulacan and Pampanga and meeting with local officials to assess their needs.
The President ordered Cabinet officials to ensure sufficient food and non-food supplies, medicines, and properly maintained evacuation centers for affected communities.
He also directed concerned agencies to pursue both immediate and long-term solutions to flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga, according to Castro.
Castro said the President sent Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos to personally inspect the situation in Hagonoy and Paombong, Bulacan.
Cabinet officials briefed President Marcos Jr. on the situation amid heavy rains over the weekend, Castro said, adding that the President ordered authorities to ensure affected residents receive adequate food and other essential non-food assistance.
Dizon also updated the President on the damaged infrastructure and bridges.
“Sa mga ganitong klaseng sitwasyon, hindi kailangang utusan pa ng Pangulo ang mga nasabing miyembro ng Gabinete dahil alam nila kung ano ang nais ng Pangulo. Mabilis na aksyon,” Castro said.
She added that President Marcos Jr. will convene a Central Luzon and Metro Manila Response Meeting on Monday afternoon with officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Budget and Management to assess the flooding situation and determine further measures.
Castro said the President’s message to affected Filipinos is to remain vigilant and follow authorities’ instructions while assuring them of necessary government assistance.
“Kung kinakailagan lumikas, sumunod po kayo agad para sa inyong kaligtasan. Ang tulong po ay nandadiyan at hindi po kayo hahayaang magutom pati ang non-food kits like hygiene kits, sleeping, clothing at kitchen kits ay kumpleto pong maibibigay sa inyo,” she added. (PNA)
