Despite heavy rains and floods, President Benigno S. Aquino III convened different government agencies at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Office to discuss the situation of different areas in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon due to the unusual amount of rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon.

The President gave specific instructions to service and operations agencies including NDRRMC, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), among others.

According to Usec. Benito Ramos, Executive Director of NDRRMC, President Aquino instructed them to intensify the relief and rescue operations to areas which are seriously affected by the onslaught.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino was directed to spearhead the rescue operations and respond with maximum efforts.

PNP and AFP were instructed to provide assistance and equipment in the relief and rescue operations. They have deployed several rubber boats and activated a special radio network in case communication systems are closed down.

He also said that DSWD closely monitors the availability of basic supplies for relief goods packages which will be distributed to stranded families and to those who are temporarily residing in evacuation centers. A P40-million standby fund is readily accessible for relief operations.

PAGASA-DOST is continuously giving reports on the amount of rainfall and water levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other nearby provinces especially in the submerged areas.

President Aquino appealed to those who live in disaster-prone areas to be more cooperative when they are being informed by the authorities to evacuate their homes. He said that safety is a two-way responsibility that should be committed by the government and the Filipino people themselves.

“Everybody is supposed to do something what they are supposed to do and improving what they are supposed to do” the President said.

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