By Prince Golez
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured super typhoon Egay victims of the government’s immediate assistance once all the affected roads and bridges in the typhoon-hit areas have been repaired and cleared of debris.
“In the moment that the roads are passable, the moment that we are able to provide relief… well, right now, it’s rescue kasi may mga stranded pa, mayroon nabaha. So, rescue and then eventually relief. We will do it immediately,” Marcos Jr. said in a media interview.
The President, who was on a three-day state visit in Malaysia during the onslaught of the typhoon, said he made sure to stay in touch with government agencies involved in disaster response to ensure the safety of the residents in the affected areas.
Nobody from the government agencies involved in the disaster response was present during his official visit to Malaysia as he emphasized that they are sending him reports on the ground, according to him.
“Well, if you notice, none of the agency heads on these disaster responses are here. I am getting twice daily reports from Secretary Gatchalian and from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and from the Coast Guard, Admiral Abu,” said Marcos Jr.
He was referring to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and to Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Abu.
“So, I’m in constant touch,” the chief executive added.
Before Egay made its landfall, Marcos Jr. said that he instructed all concerned government agencies and the local government units to deploy all their rescue teams and equipment to ensure the safety of the public.
He has also asked government officials to preposition food packs especially in Northern Luzon before the landfall, he furthered.
“I know that most of the responders, first responders are already up north. Nag-landing na yata ‘yung iba sa Tuguegarao and the others landed to Laoag to go down to also to Ilocos Sur and then up to Abra.”
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