Malacañang asked the public to continue adhering to minimum health standards while staying alert and vigilant as the country faces the threat of tropical storm "Jolina" and typhoon "Kiko".
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after at least 14 people were reported to have died while 26 others were reported missing during the onslaught of typhoon Jolina, which pounded some parts of Luzon and the Visayas with heavy rains and strong winds.
In a statement Thursday, Sept. 9, Roque asked the public to continue following minimum health standards against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while keeping calm.
"We ask the public to continue to remain alert and vigilant, take precautionary measures, observe minimum public health standards, and cooperate with their respective local authorities in case of an evacuation," he said.
According to Roque, Malacañang is closely monitoring the situation.
"We are closely monitoring the developments of the operations for tropical storm Jolina and preparations for typhoon Kiko," he assured the public.
As of Sept. 8, 2021, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported the evacuation of 2,045 families or 7,602 persons in 131 evacuation centers.
The DSWD has P442.9 million in Quick Response Funds (QRF) at its central office; P11.2 million available at its feld offices in Mimaropa, Region 5, Region 6, and Region 8; and P32.5 million at other DSWD field offices that may support the relief needs of displaced families.
In addition, there are 12,535 family food packs available at disaster response centers.
The restoration of power and communication lines as well as the clearing of roads are ongoing in affected areas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).