President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate mobilization of all relevant government agencies to intensify rescue, relief, and flood control operations as monsoon rains and successive weather systems continue to affect many areas of the country.

In a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President convened a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), directing a series of urgent actions to mitigate the impact of severe weather conditions.

Marcos ordered the deployment of search, rescue, and retrieval teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection to provide immediate assistance in heavily flooded areas.

He also tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure the prompt distribution of family food packs and other forms of relief before, during, and after severe weather events.

Road clearing operations are being conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to restore access to major thoroughfares.

Marcos further directed agencies to sustain flood control efforts, including the operation of all pumping stations and floodgates at full capacity and the clearing of clogged waterways.

Castro added that the President ordered the updating of flood control and drainage masterplans for Metro Manila, 18 major river basins, and other vulnerable areas, in coordination with the DPWH and MMDA.

To maintain price stability in affected areas, the President ordered the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to ramp up supply monitoring and prevent price manipulation, especially in provinces under a state of calamity.

“Binigyang-diin naman ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na sinisiguro na ngayon ng DA at DTI na may sapat na supply ng pagkain at pangunahing bilihin (The President stressed that the DA and DTI are now ensuring adequate supply of food and basic goods),” Castro said.

The President also appealed to the public to heed advisories from local governments and take precautions against common rainy season diseases, such as leptospirosis and dengue.

Most of Luzon and parts of the Visayas remain inundated due to days of torrential rains, as Typhoon Emong (Co-May), Tropical Storm Dante (Francisco), and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” continue to affect the country. (PNA)