Marcos Orders Faster Flood Relief, Rescue – Price Watch
President Marcos Jr. Orders Intensified Rescue, Relief, and Flood Control Amidst Monsoon Rains
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr. has directed a swift and thorough mobilization of all relevant government agencies to bolster rescue, relief, and flood control operations across the nation. The directive comes as persistent monsoon rains and a series of weather systems continue to impact numerous areas, causing widespread disruption and affecting thousands of families.
urgent Mobilization for National Response
In a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro detailed the President’s urgent directives following a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. President Marcos Jr.emphasized the critical need for immediate action to mitigate the severe consequences of the ongoing inclement weather.
key Directives for Immediate Action:
Enhanced Search, Rescue, and Retrieval: The President ordered the immediate deployment of specialized search, rescue, and retrieval teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These teams are tasked with providing critical assistance in areas experiencing severe flooding.
Prompt Relief Distribution: The Department of Social Welfare and Progress (DSWD) has been instructed to ensure the timely and efficient distribution of essential relief items, including family food packs, hygiene kits, and other forms of aid. This distribution is crucial both before, during, and after severe weather events to support affected populations.
Road Clearing Operations: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are actively conducting road clearing operations to restore access to major thoroughfares, facilitating the movement of emergency services and essential supplies.
Sustained Flood Control Efforts: Agencies have been directed to maintain and intensify flood control measures. This includes ensuring all pumping stations and floodgates operate at full capacity and prioritizing the clearing of clogged waterways to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
Masterplan Updates for Flood control: President Marcos Jr. also mandated the updating of flood control and drainage masterplans for Metro Manila, 18 major river basins, and other vulnerable regions. This strategic initiative will be undertaken in close coordination with the DPWH and MMDA to enhance long-term resilience.
Ensuring Price Stability and Public Safety
Beyond immediate disaster response, the President also addressed the economic and public health implications of the severe weather.
Economic Measures and Public Health Advisories:
Price Monitoring and Stability: To maintain price stability in calamity-stricken areas, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have been tasked with intensifying supply monitoring. This measure aims to prevent price manipulation and ensure the availability of essential goods,particularly in provinces declared under a state of calamity. President Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of food and basic commodities for affected communities.
* Public Health Precautions: The President urged the public to remain vigilant and heed advisories issued by local government units. He emphasized the importance of taking necessary precautions against common rainy season diseases,such as leptospirosis and dengue,to protect public health.
The country continues to grapple with the effects of torrential rains brought about by Typhoon Emong (Co-May), Tropical Storm dante (francisco), and the enhanced southwest monsoon, commonly known as “habagat.” These weather systems have led to widespread inundation across most of Luzon and parts of the Visayas, underscoring the urgency of the President’s directives.
The Presidential Photojournalists Association captured a poignant image illustrating the distribution of relief assistance in San Mateo, where the DSWD, in coordination with local government units, provided essential kits including child-friendly spaces, food packs, hygiene kits, women-friendly spaces, sleeping kits, family water filtration kits, and ready-to-eat meals. This relief effort benefited a total of 3,899 families, comprising 14,390 individuals affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon.