Gov’t ready for Typhoon ‘Nika’, other storms — PBBM
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured typhoon-weary Filipinos that both the local and national governments are fully mobilized to protect their safety and welfare.
On the sidelines of the Seatrade Cruise (STC) Asia 2024 Welcome Reception in Parañaque City on Monday evening, President Marcos said government response teams are on the ground, clearing roads and preparing to deliver relief where it’s needed most.
“Kahit na may bagyo, kahit na malakas ang hangin nasa labas sila dahil kaya pa naman. Kaya pa naman daw. They can still work to clear trees that fell. ‘Yung mga poste na nahulog para may daanan ang mga relief goods natin,” President Marcos said.
He said the government, through the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and other agencies, is monitoring Severe Tropical Storm Nika, which weakened, but continues to affect Ilocos Sur and surrounding areas.
The government has prepositioned equipment and relief supplies, ready to respond as soon as conditions allow, he said. “We are now monitoring what’s happening,” President Marcos said.
“We’ve done the usual standard procedure where we have sent, prepositioned our equipment and our relief goods. And we will just have to see where the areas are that will be particularly hit,” he added.
The President said all relevant government agencies “continue to prepare” for the two other expected typhoons, and is exhausting all remedies available to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos.
President Marcos said the government is also looking at damages caused by typhoons to ensure immediate assistance. He called on Filipinos to listen to LGUs.
“As soon as the government can come in, we will come in. Your local government is there – is ready to be the first responders as they always are and the national government will come in as soon as we can,” he said.
“In fact, we’re already there and they’re just waiting for the storm to allow them to get to work,” he added.
In its latest bulletin, PAGASA raised varying signal warnings across Luzon, including Signal No. 3 in the Southern Portion of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. PCO
