President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered government agencies to step up preparations after Typhoon Inday entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as he urged the public to stay alert and closely monitor weather updates.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon was spotted east of Northern Luzon.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said several government agencies have already implemented precautionary measures in line with the President’s directive.
Castro said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted clearing operations in drainage systems and waterways, particularly in areas clogged with garbage.
She said the MMDA’s 73 pumping stations are also on standby in case heavy rains occur due to the intensified southwest monsoon triggered by Inday’s entry into PAR.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has also begun preparations, especially in Cagayan Valley. Castro said the agency prepositioned trucks, backhoes, chainsaws, and other equipment and materials for possible disaster response operations.
“Ang DSWD, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, ay nakahanda na rin bago pa man pumasok ang bagyo. Sa datos ng ahensiya, mayroong mahigit 4.7 million food packs ang naka-preposition na sa buong bansa,” Castro said.
She added that in Cagayan Valley alone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepared 217,000 family food packs in its warehouses, including 23,000 in Batanes.
Castro said Department of Health (DOH) regional offices have also been placed on alert, while the Health Emergency Management Bureau issued a weather alert to centers for health development.
“Nagdeklara na rin ang ahensiya ng Code White para alerto ang mga unit habang nakahanda na rin ang DOH Health Emergency Response Team sa buong bansa at ang pag-deploy ng Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team kung kakailanganin,” Castro said.
She said the DOH has prepared a contingency plan to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of health services during the weather disturbance.
Based on DOH data, Castro said P36.6 million worth of medicines, hygiene kits, and cleaning equipment has already been prepositioned in various areas.
“Maliban sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, si Pangulong Marcos Jr. mismo ay nakatutok din sa lagay ng panahon at sa magiging development nito sa susunod na mga araw. Paalala ng Pangulo sa taumbayan, maging alerto at palaging magbantay sa takbo ng panahon,” Castro said.
Malacañang said the President continues to monitor the situation and reminded the public to remain vigilant as Inday and the enhanced habagat may bring rains in the coming days.