By Brian Campued
Despite his ongoing three-day official visit to the United States, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government is prepared to respond to those affected by widespread flooding caused by persistent monsoon rains.
In a video message released on Monday, the President said he had already instructed concerned government agencies to coordinate with each other to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.
These agencies include the Office of Civil Defense and the Departments of Transportation, Health, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Public Works and Highways, Energy, and the Interior and Local Government.
“Sa aking mga kababayan, bago po kami umalis ng Maynila upang pumunta sa Amerika para bumisita, nag-official visit po tayo sa Pangulo ng Amerika, si President Trump, ay nabigyan ko na ng instruction ang lahat ng ating mga ahensiya na paghandaan ang naging baha dahil sa napakalakas na ulan,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive added that relief goods and medical teams were already deployed, while efforts are underway to secure critical services, such as transportation, water, and electricity.
According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at least 92,590 family food packs have been distributed to affected areas in the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and SOCCSKSARGEN as of 6:00 a.m. this Tuesday.
Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that around 362,465 families or 1,266,322 individuals across 17 regions were affected by the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Crising, habagat, and the LPA.
The NDRRMC also reported that two individuals are confirmed dead, while four are currently being validated. Six persons were also reported missing, while 5 were injured.
The DOTr, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), also provided free rides for stranded commuters in Metro Manila, particularly along the routes Quiapo–Angono, Quiapo–Fairview, Lawton–Alabang, and Philcoa–Fairview.
The DILG, meanwhile, urged local chief executives to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in conducting forced evacuation in habagat-affected areas and prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“Nandito kami lagi upang magbigay ng lahat ng serbisyo na kailangan sa harap ng hamon ng climate change,” he said. “Siguraduhin natin mas lalo pang mapalakas ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan na tumugon sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon.”
-jpv
