LAGUNA (PIA) -- “Palagi kong ipinipilit at ipinapaalala sa lahat ng NDRRMC natin na ang pinakaimportante na kapag may parating na bagyo ay meron tayong evacuation na pre-emptive, na inuunahan natin ang bagyo, na ilikas yung mga tao para kung sakali man na dumaan doon sa lugar na ‘yon ay hindi na sila mabiktima.”
[I always remind the NDRRMC the importance of pre-emptive evacuation. Pre-emptively evacuate the people in preparation for the upcoming typhoon. So, when the typhoon hits the areas everyone will be safe.]
This is just one of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sentiments after he conducted an aerial inspection around the Municipality of Noveleta in Cavite on October 31, Monday after the town was greatly hit by Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’.
“‘Yun ang dapat nating tignan, magkakaroon tayo ng plano na long-term para kahit na lumakas ang tubig ng husto ay hindi na guguho ‘yung lupa at hindi na tayo aabutan ng mga landslide.”
[We have to look into that. We must have a long-term plan to prepare for flood and landslide.]
Together with DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, who flew from Maguindanao after inspecting the damages of ‘Paeng’ around the province, the President laid his observations on the causes of the heavy flooding and great damage. Marcos Jr. also mentioned the need for the government to think long-term and prevention as the country is prone to disaster and calamities.
Aside from the inspection the President also want to personally know if all the affected residents in evacuation centers are properly given services and assistance. He led the ceremonial distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) assistance to families and individuals affected by ‘Paeng’ at Barangay San Jose II.
In Cavite alone, around 18,000 families have been evacuated. In addition to the DSWD assistance, at least PhP50 million worth of relief goods are being distributed to the victims of the natural calamity.
‘Paeng’ made a series of landfall across different regions in the country. The Municipality of Noveleta, along with Kawit, is one of the hardest-hit areas in Cavite.
As of 11:00 AM, according to PAGASA “Paeng” re-intensifies into a severe tropical storm while moving over the West Philippine with a maximum sustained wind of 95 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph. ‘Paeng’ is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility this afternoon or evening. (MVMV/PIA- PIA CPSD)
