Marcos in U.S. affirms gov’t readiness, ensures public safety amid flooding

Biel Jose Catipon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he had already instructed government agencies to prepare for flooding caused by heavy rains even before leaving the country for his United States (U.S.) visit in a video message released on July 21.

Among the concerned agencies mentioned were the Office of Civil Defense, the departments of Transportation, Health, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Public Works and Highways, Energy, and the Interior and Local Government.

“Sinabihan ko na…na magtrabaho sila at mag-coordinate sila upang tiyakin na ligtas ang ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said.

The President also mentioned that relief goods were already prepared and were being delivered to areas in need, with medical teams deployed alongside the supplies.

“Tinitiyak natin na merong transportasyon…sapat na suplay ng tubig, sapat na suplay ng kuryente…lahat ito ay para sa pangangailangan ng mga naging biktima nitong pagbaha at malakas na ulan,” he added, referring to the government’s response to affected communities.

The chief executive also urged the public to listen to advisories issued by both local government units and the national government, and to follow them to ensure their safety.

“Nandito kami lagi upang magbigay ng lahat ng serbisyo na kailangan sa harap ng hamon ng climate change. Siguraduhin natin mas lalo pang mapapalakas ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan na tumugon sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” said Marcos, reaffirming the government’s commitment to deliver services and improve disaster response efforts.

The President is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

In a statement issued on July 22, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the President ordered the immediate suspension of all SONA-related preparations and directed government agencies to focus solely on flood response and ensuring public safety amid reports of ongoing flooding in communities.

As of 2 p.m. of July 22, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Aurora had developed into a Tropical Depression named “Dante.”