PBBM tells gov’t agencies: ‘Send help to Bicol fast’

By JORDAN DOMINGO

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies on Wednesday, October 23, to commence immediate rescue and relief operations in the Bicol region, focusing on areas severely affected by Tropical Storm Kristine.

During a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the President directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to deploy equipment needed to clear roads and bridges obstructed by debris from landslides.

If roads remain impassable, President Marcos instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to collaborate with the Department of National Defense (DND) to airlift relief supplies, medical equipment, and other essentials to communities in need.

“We can involve the Coast Guard as well. They also have a role to play, so let’s be prepared,” he said.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported during the briefing that heavy rains from Tropical Storm Kristine have inundated significant parts of the Bicol region, impacting over 150,000 residents, according to the latest assessment.

In Camarines Sur, local officials confirmed that 300 out of 600 barangays are flooded due to relentless rainfall.

The President also emphasized the need to prepare regions likely to be impacted next by the typhoon.

“We can start efforts now in Region 5 as the storm moves away from Bicol. Let’s do everything we can,” President Marcos advised.

He further urged vigilance across other regions, preparing them for potential impacts.

“There’s little we can do but wait for the storm to pass, issue all possible warnings, evacuate as many people as we can, and essentially, hunker down for a day. Ensure that everyone has what they need, and emergency supplies are in place,” he stated.

The OCD is also coordinating with Western and Central Visayas regions to provide rubber boats for the ongoing rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the President that the national stockpile remains robust, maintaining the two-million mark of goods nationwide.

“This was pre-Typhoon Carina level. We had a productive run in recent weeks, Mr. President. Our Pasay hub, the NROC (National Resource Operations Center), holds about 176,000 family food packs. The Visayas hub has approximately 250,000,” Gatchalian reported.

For the Ilocos region, over 93,000 food packs are available; Cagayan Valley has more than 109,000; Central Luzon holds 170,000; while Calabarzon and Mimaropa have a combined total of over 101,000.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Carina, the Bicol region had nearly 162,000 food packs ready for distribution, Gatchalian added. (PIA/PND)

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (3rd from left) leads a situation briefing with key government agencies, directing immediate rescue and relief efforts for storm-hit Bicol region.