President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed that the national government is maintaining round-the-clock operations to deliver rapid relief and aid to communities affected by severe flooding driven by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported Monday that Marcos dedicated the past week to monitoring the situation closely.
His actions included performing on-site inspections across flood-stricken areas in Bulacan and Pampanga while collaborating directly with local officials to evaluate urgent needs.
To streamline relief efforts, Marcos directed key Cabinet members to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of food packages, non-food provisions, medical supplies, and well-maintained evacuation spaces for displaced residents.
He further instructed relevant government entities to devise both immediate and long-term infrastructure solutions to manage recurring flood issues in Bulacan and Pampanga.
As part of the administration’s direct response, Marcos tasked Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos with conducting ground-level assessments in the municipalities of Hagonoy and Paombong.
Dizon also provided the Chief Executive with updated assessments regarding damaged local infrastructure and bridge networks.
“Sa mga ganitong klaseng sitwasyon, hindi kailangang utusan pa ng Pangulo ang mga nasabing miyembro ng Gabinete dahil alam nila kung ano ang nais ng Pangulo. Mabilis na aksyon,” Castro stated.
To coordinate ongoing operations, Marcos scheduled a Central Luzon and Metro Manila Response Meeting for Monday afternoon, bringing together leadership 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 review the situation and implement further measures.
Castro emphasized the President’s directive for residents in impacted areas to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with local leadership.
“Kung kinakailagan lumikas, sumunod po kayo agad para sa inyong kaligtasan,” she advised.
“Ang tulong po ay nandadiyan at hindi po kayo hahayaang magutom pati ang non-food kits like hygiene kits, sleeping, clothing at kitchen kits ay kumpleto pong maibibigay sa inyo,” Castro added.