The government has appealed to the public to stay vigilant and continue to observe coronavirus preventive measures as the tropical storm Dante dumped rains in some parts of the country.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque asked people to cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety as the disaster relief support have been readied for those affected by the latest weather disturbance.
"The safety of everyone remains our main concern," Roque said in a statement Wednesday, June 2.
"Let us therefore remain alert and vigilant, and cooperate with authorities while observing the minimum public health standards against COVID-19 during this storm," he said.
Roque said the Palace continues to monitor the movement of the storm, as concerned agencies have been mobilized to provide rescue and relief support.
He said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has conducted a pre-disaster risk assessment for Dante and reminded concerned local government units on disaster preparations, including pre-emptive evacuation of communities in hazard-prone areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also set aside standby funds amounting to P1.105 billion, including P113 million worth of 222,382 family food packs. The Philippine Coast Guard has also been assisting in evacuation and/or rescue operations in flooded areas, Roque said.
"Clearing operations to severely affected areas have likewise been conducted," he added.
The state weather agency reported that tropical storm Dante was spotted over the coastal waters of Oriental Mindoro after crossing Eastern Samar, Romblon, and Masbate. The storm is expected to make landfall over Bataan on Wednesday night.