Abalos tells local execs: Be present in your localities during calamities, disasters

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. called on local chief executives (LCEs) to never be "missing in action" (MIA) and remain in their respective jurisdictions during calamities and emergency situations to attend to the needs of their constituents.

Specifically, Abalos targeted the message to the LCEs of the Samar provinces which are currently under distress after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., together with other Cabinet members, were briefed in Tacloban City on the effects of the shear line and the low-pressure area (LPA) that triggered massive flooding in Northern Samar and nearby areas. 

Abalos insisted that the physical presence of local executives "is very important during these challenging situations as they are expected to implement and oversee the conduct of appropriate disaster response measures in their respective localities."

“This is enshrined in the DILG's Operation Listo Manual, LCEs must be present before, during and after any disaster,” he said. 

President Marcos and Abalos arrived in Tacloban on Thursday morning, Nov. 23, along with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

They later attended a hybrid briefing along with local officials, and representatives from regional offices of different government agencies. 

“The top national officials were later briefed on the situation on the ground, especially on the immediate needs of the affected residents in the provinces of Northern and Eastern Samar, Samar, and Leyte," the DILG said.

Marcos ordered all concerned agencies to continue providing food packs to affected families, even as the National Housing Authority (NHA) vowed to provide shelter subsidies of P10,000 per household. 

The DILG stated that the provinces of Northern and Eastern Samar are currently both under the state of calamity.