Marcos sets priorities following 'Paeng' onslaught; National State of Calamity status sought
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has laid down the measures he wants to be done immediately after Severe Tropical Storm Paeng battered different parts of the country, leaving at least 45 dead, on Saturday, October 29.

In a situation briefing, Marcos, virtually, wanted the Bicol Region and the BARMM placed in the State of Calamity. He asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assist the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in downloading calamity funds.
The President tasked the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to submit a draft resolution recommending the declaration of a National State of Calamity for his review.
Marcos also sought to reexamine the timely dissemination of accurate information to the public on the forecast track of a weather disturbance and the estimated amount of rainfall to implement preemptive evacuation effectively and minimize deaths.
As of Saturday evening, almost 380,000 people were affected by "Paeng" in the country.
The NDRRMC said damage to agriculture had been estimated at P54.9 million. It affected 533 farmers and fisherfolk.
Assistance
Meanwhile, Marcos expressed that the government should immediately extend assistance to the typhoon victims.
The President wanted the government to prioritize the provision of clean drinking water and purifying systems, particularly in the BARMM; and restoring electricity, especially in hospitals and evacuation centers, and assisting local electric cooperatives that incurred damages in their distribution lines.
Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to clear impassable roads and put up Bailey-type temporary bridges in the case of damaged bridges to facilitate relief, medical, and rescue mission access.
For the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the President ordered them to activate pre-positioned Vsats and satellite phones in areas with an unstable cellular signal.
President Marcos tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to continue the deployment and distribution of additional family food packs and water to affected residents in evacuation and non-evacuation sites.
He likewise asked the DSWD to distribute the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) when the situation normalizes.
Marcos told all national government agencies to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in all aspects of government response.