President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assured that the Philippines is prepared for the possible effects of Super Typhoon Mawar once it enters the country.
(Photo from Bongbong Marcos Twitter)
Marcos told the public that the government continues to monitor the typhoon that is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday.
"Pinaghahandaan din natin ang magiging epekto nito hindi lamang sa hilagang bahagi ng bansa, kundi sa lahat ng lugar na posibleng maapektuhan ng bagyo (We are also preparing for the possible effects of the typhoon not just in the northern part of the country, but also in all areas that may possibly be affected by the typhoon)," Marcos said on Thursday, May 25, after a meeting with Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez.
This as the President cited that the typhoon might further intensify due to the southwest monsoon that will result in heavy rains and flooding in Luzon and Visayas.
Marcos said funds and food packs have been pre-positioned, while response teams are on standby.
Provinces, towns and cities which are most likely to be hit by the typhoon are prepared for any contingencies, he added.
As of Thursday afternoon, the super typhoon off the Pacific Ocean has intensified further but was still outside the country’s area of responsibility.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mawar was approximately 2,000 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts up to 240 kph. It will be called "Betty" once it enters the PAR.
READ MORE: ‘Mawar’ further intensifies but still outside PAR