President Marcos has told the entire nation to brace for the rainy season.
Marcos issued the reminder to Bicolanos and the entire country during his visit in the Bicol region to distribute government assistance to those affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
He assured the people that the government has rolled out preparedness measures with the onset of the rainy season, saying that local government units (LGUs) were also directed to stand ready for the looming La Niña.
“At dahil nasa usapin tayo ng 'kahandaang umagapay,' nais ko ring ipaalam sa inyo na naghahanda na ang pamahalaan para sa nalalapit na panahon ng tag-ulan (And because we are on the topic of 'preparedness to help,' I want to inform you that the government is getting ready for the nearing rainy season),” Marcos said in his speech in Legazpi City on Friday, June 7.
“[Kayo] rin po, dapat maging handa sa posibleng pagtama muli ng mga malalakas na bagyo at pagbaha (You should also be ready for the possible occurrence of strong typhoons and flooding),” he added.
The President has ordered local governments and state agencies in Bicol to look into their plans ahead of the rainy season to ensure public safety.
“Kaya naman inaatasan ko ang lokal na pamahalaan at lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan dito sa Region V na suriing muli ang mga plano ninyo [na inihanda] sa tuwing may banta [ng] sakuna. Siguraduhin na ligtas ang lahat (So, I am directing the local government and all the agencies of the government here in Region V to revisit their plans, prepare them every time there is a threat of calamity. Make sure that everyone is safe),” he said.
Marcos also reminded local governments to ensure that there will be enough supply of food and other essential needs.
The Chief Executive was in Legazpi City to continue the presidential aid program for farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño, where a total of P162 million in financial assistance was extended to the beneficiaries.