Marcos Assures Round-the-Clock Government Response to Habagat Flooding

Manila, The Gulf Observer: 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 said on Monday that the President had spent the week monitoring the situation, personally inspecting flood-hit areas in Bulacan and Pampanga and meeting with local officials to assess their needs.

Marcos ordered Cabinet officials to ensure sufficient food and non-food supplies, medicines and properly maintained evacuation centres for affected communities. He also directed the concerned agencies to pursue both immediate and long-term solutions to flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga, Castro said.

According to the Palace Press Officer, the President dispatched Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos to personally inspect the situation in Hagonoy and Paombong, Bulacan.

Cabinet officials briefed the President on the situation amid heavy rains over the weekend, Castro said, adding that Marcos had ordered the authorities to ensure that affected residents receive adequate food and other essential non-food assistance. Secretary Dizon also updated the President on damaged infrastructure and bridges.

“In situations like these, the President does not need to issue orders to the concerned Cabinet members because they already know what the President wants: swift action,” Castro said.

She added that Marcos would 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 was to remain vigilant and to follow the instructions of the authorities, while assuring them of the necessary government assistance.

“If evacuation becomes necessary, please follow instructions immediately for your safety,” she said.

“Help is coming, and you will not be left to go hungry; non-food items such as hygiene kits, sleeping gear, clothing and kitchen kits will also be fully provided to you,” she added.