By ARGYLL CYRUS B. GEDUCOS
Malacañang cited local government units (LGUs) yesterday for their preparedness to respond to the effects of tropical depression “Vicky” in their localities.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after Vicky triggered heavy floods in Mindanao before the weekend.
In a statement, Roque said that President Duterte is monitoring the situation as concerned agencies are ready to provide assistance to affected areas.
“The Chief Executive continues to monitor tropical depression Vicky as concerned agencies of the government assist areas that are in the track of Vicky and provide rescue and relief operations to affected residents,” he said.
Roque commended LGUs for their efforts to prepare for and respond to the effects of Vicky.
“We laud the local government units of the affected areas for their timely pro-active preparation as well as their readiness in responding to the effects of the TD Vicky in their localities,” he said.
Despite this, the Palace official asked those in areas affected by the tropical depression to remain vigilant and calm and be ready to evacuate if advised.
“We ask the public, especially those living in the affected areas to stay calm, remain vigilant, and be ready to evacuate in case local authorities advise them to do so,” Roque said.
“Regularly monitor government advisories and weather updates for more information,” he added.
According to Roque, as of 6 p.m., Friday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office (CO), Field Offices (FOs), and National Resource Operations Center (NROC) have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P779,958,349.25, including a total of 230,191 family food packs (FFPs).
He said that the Department of Health (DoH) has prepositioned drugs and medicines in affected regional and provincial DoH offices while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) prepositioned teams were already on the scene conducting clearing operations.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed 1,590 Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel as of 6 a.m. yesterday.
