Marcos orders full gov't mobilization ahead of Typhoon Opong
Malacañang photo
President Marcos has ordered a full government mobilization ahead of the expected landfall of potential Severe Tropical Storm Opong this weekend.
Speaking at a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the President directed agencies to maximize resources and preposition all available assets, especially in highly populated areas along the typhoon’s projected path.
“We have to prepare for the worst-case scenarios,” Marcos said Wednesday, Sept. 24, as he stressed the importance of intensified coordination and forward deployment of supplies.
Opong is expected to intensify into a typhoon by Friday and bring heavier-than-usual rainfall across Luzon.
Marcos ordered agencies to focus their preparations on the Bicol Region, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon, which are forecast to bear the brunt of the storm.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 2.5 million family food packs are already prepositioned nationwide for immediate distribution.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said relief goods, medicines, and other critical supplies have also been deployed, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.
He added that the Department of National Defense (DND) is ensuring logistics support, road access, and stock replenishment as part of its contingency measures.
The President expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, but directed agencies to prioritize restoring electricity in parts of the Ilocos Region that remain without power.
Relief for Nando-hit areas
At the same briefing, President Marcos also ordered sustained relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas still reeling from the onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando.
Teodoro said around 7,000 families are currently staying in evacuation centers in Northern Luzon.
Initial reports indicated an estimated P15 million in agricultural losses, with ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of the damage.
Teodoro noted that while there is no immediate need to resupply affected areas, the government is prioritizing the rebuilding of damaged homes in Kalayaan Island, Batanes, and Ilocos.
“The government’s focus remains on logistics and inter-agency coordination to replenish stocks and ensure continuous access to affected communities,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that all agencies must remain on high alert, continue rehabilitation in storm-hit communities, and stand ready to respond swiftly as Typhoon Opong approaches.