By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public that the government is ramping up its efforts to effectively respond to the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) across the country.
In a statement, the President said all concerned agencies have already started sending aid and commenced rescue operations in disaster-affected areas.
Marcos said he has ordered the uniformed agencies—the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard—to fully mobilize its available resources and personnel to augment local relief operations.
“I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation. This includes presidential helicopters,” he said.
Members of the AFP and PNP medical corps were likewise directed to join the relief efforts as part of the frontline personnel.
“This means putting people out of harm’s way, those whose lives are in danger, and then paving the way for the rapid movement of relief resources to affected areas,” the Chief Executive underscored.
“I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front,” he added.
Marcos also reiterated his instructions for concerned departments for a “speedy and streamlined disaster response.”
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall support the local government units in providing relief goods and granting financial aid under existing government programs, he said.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), meanwhile, shall provide immediate assistance—including payment of crop insurance—to help farmers whose livelihood were affected by the typhoon.
“I have directed the DA to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to affected areas, and so that many people will be reached, to expand its fleet by contracting private vehicle owners,” Marcos stated.
The Department of Public Works and Highways was tasked with conducting emergency road clearing operations to restore traffic on damaged roads and bridges and ensure effective delivery of aid.
The Department of Trade and Industry would strictly monitor compliance with the price control measures imposed in areas under the state of calamity “to blunt any attempt at profiteering.”
All necessary funds for the procurement of important resources shall be released by the Department of Budget and Management immediately, according to the President.
“I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and even by sea,” he said.
“Lahat ng mapagkukunan ng inyong pambansang pamahalaan ay inilalaan upang ipaabot bilang kinakailangan na tulong, tungo sa mabilisang pagbalik ng normal na kondisyon at pamumuhay sa mga apektadong lugar,” the Chief Executive stressed in a separate statement on Thursday night.
—iro