President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the critical need for close coordination and robust support for Local Government Units (LGUs) as they undertake response operations to mitigate the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine.
During a situation briefing on Wednesday, the President recognized that LGUs are the first responders in emergencies, necessitating consistent national support.
“The first responders are going to be the local government, sila ang una talagang makakapasok d’yan. Let’s be sure kung meron talagang request for assistance that we will try and give them the assistance kasi meron talagang mga bagay na–, talagang mga problema na hindi kaya ng local government or kulang ang local or they need more. Let’s make sure na maganda ang coordination natin at saka ‘yung mga nasa local, tumawag sila at magsabi kung ano ang mga pangyayari,” he stated.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla Jr. reported that he is in regular communication with Congressman LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, which has been significantly impacted by STS Kristine.
“Out of 600 barangays in Naga, 300 are fully submerged and urgently need rubber boats and 4×6 trucks to evacuate people,” Sec. Remulla informed.
In response to the President’s concerns about challenges in response operations, Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chair, Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced that additional rubber boats will be deployed to support these efforts.
“As we speak, we are pushing forward the additional rubber boats to proceed to the SOLCOM area and I have already given instructions to source some from Mindanao. The Visayas J3 is working on it to marshal, and if possible, we can airdrop them,” the Secretary explained.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed that the department is closely coordinating with local authorities in the affected areas of Naga to facilitate relief efforts.
Additionally, Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stated that the department is ready to initiate debris-clearing operations once floodwaters recede.
“I think as soon as the water subsides in the locally flooded area, our response team should be able to enter and clear all the debris, such as fallen trees and other materials. As soon as we are able to clear all national secondary roads, we will also coordinate with the local government units for assistance in clearing local roads,” Sec. Bonoan said.
On the medical response front, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reported the deployment of medical teams to Bicol, Northern, and Central Luzon.
“Mr. President, I would like to announce that we have recently verified three international medical teams, level 1. This is a 30-member team complete with wash facilities for outpatient care. I plan to deploy one in Bicol and the other one in Northern and Central Luzon. We are the first country recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) with three teams in one verification. This is an international verification that I will utilize for our national deployment,” he detailed.
Reiterating his guidance, President Marcos instructed the heads of government agencies to promptly respond to requests from LGUs.
“Let’s stay very close in contact with them and understand their situation. If they have an emergency request for augmentation of some kind, we need to ensure that the national response can be immediate,” the President concluded.
