Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno on Wednesday thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his administration’s efforts and dedication to strengthening the country’s disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Marcos, in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, commended disaster response workers for ensuring the safety of Filipinos, citing the need to bolster readiness in dealing with hazards and disasters.

“The President has been consistently emphasizing the need to bolster the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management through a comprehensive approach that involves both the government and the citizens, as well as the formulation of sustainable long-term strategies,” Nepomuceno said.

Marcos also brought up the impact of extreme weather events, such as torrential rains, and the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters due to its geographical location.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country is now on La Niña Alert status with a “70 percent chance of La Niña forming in (the) August-September-October 2024 season and is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2025.”

The OCD has been working closely with its regional offices, as well as with other government agencies on preparedness measures and response amid the rainy season. (PNA)