Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
September 4, 2024

Following the onset of severe tropical storm ‘Enteng’ that brought damages to parts of Luzon and Visayas, including the National Capital Region (NCR), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Administration’s whole-of-government approach in addressing the effects of the weather disturbance to several regions as he presided over a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

According to reports from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), around 400,000 families or 1.7 million individuals were affected by the onslaught of severe tropical storm ‘Enteng’ which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 01 September (Sunday). It caused widespread floodings in several regions such as Region V (Bicol Region), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Region II (Cagayan Valley Region), Region I (Ilocos Region) and some parts of Eastern and Western Visayas.

With efforts currently in full swing across the affected Regions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that more than 133,000 food packs have already been distributed, and this is expected to increase to approximately 25,000 as relief operations progress.

President Marcos Jr. reassured the public that government is actively managing the situation and will continue to support the displaced families and individuals. He urged all government agencies involved to prioritize the immediate needs of Filipinos in all affected areas.

Moreover, he directed all government agencies to be on full alert as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that more typhoons are expected to enter the country in the coming months.

“We must assume that whatever we know, for the immediate needs of the people who are in areas that have been hit hard, isipin natin may susunod pa. I think the procurement of food packs, non-food items, etc., mga binibigay natin, huwag lang natin tignan ‘yan. Tuloy-tuloy ito,” President Marcos Jr. stated.

The Chief Executive also mentioned that he will continue to monitor the situation and expedite efforts to ensure swift recovery of all affected Filipinos.

“Pagdaan nitong weather system na ito, makapunta tayo and we will provide the assistances [needed]…Because the assistance we are talking about is not only from DSWD and other immediate requirement. But of course ‘yung mga nasirang tanim at hanapbuhay ng mga tao, kailangan nating tulungan,” President Marcos Jr. said.

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