President Marcos has reminded government officials to always keep in mind that there are people still struggling in flooded areas due to typhoon Kristine, telling them to respond to them as quickly as possible.
During a situation briefing on the impacts of typhoon Kristine on Friday, Oct. 25, Marcos told government officials to consider the struggles of the typhoon victims whenever they feel like giving up on the challenges brought by the disaster.
“Just remember there are people still in water right now, they are still flooded. They’re walking around in water up to their waist. They have no water supply, they have no food, they have no place to stay. So, if you think you are tired, think about what their condition is,” he said in a briefing held at the Malacañan Palace.
“So, let’s keep that always in mind,” he added.
The President also told them to continue providing all forms of assistance to typhoon victims as another weather disturbance is expected to develop into a typhoon, adding that the government must be prepared for the upcoming weather disturbance.
“We’ll just have to keep monitoring the situation and make sure, always, the rescue and relief don’t stop. It doesn’t matter there’s another storm coming, we cannot stop. That cannot stop,” he said.
“And then, the support that we are giving, that DSWD is giving [to] those who have been displaced, who are still in the evacuation centers, there are staying outside of their homes, with their relatives, their friends, that also cannot stop,” he added.
Before concluding the briefing, the President also asked Cabinet members and officials of all relevant government agencies to keep him updated on the storm’s effects.
“And if not, actually amongst yourself, if you can solve it, let’s do it that way as quickly as possible,” he said.
According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Regions IV-A, and IV, and V, were most heavily affected by the typhoon. Forty-four provinces were affected in the entire country, he added.
"We have operational 5,791 evacuation centers, of which 19,961 families were evacuated. And 64,000 served in the evacuation centers – 64,000 families. As of now, sir, most have been – except for the Naga region, most have been – have returned back to their homes," Remulla said.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian told the President they have released 150,752 family food packs to typhoon victims, along with 3,231 non-food items, with a total value of PhP111,133,601.54.
The national stockpile has a total of 1,905,700 family food packs worth PhP1,439,033,413.58.