MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government was intensifying its response efforts as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) pummeled the country with its strong rains and winds.
In a statement, Marcos encouraged all agencies and government partners to “pitch in” to respond to those affected by Kristine.
“Our priority there is to mitigate the damage it may cause, evacuate those living in hazardous areas, and to preposition necessary goods and personnel to ensure the continuous availability of essential supplies once the typhoon arrives,” Marcos said.
“We direct all agencies and offices of the government, as well as our partners in the private and non-government sector, to pitch in, strengthen and reinforce the bulwark which we have built against this raging tempest,” he added.
The President said that the government was allocating its available resources to bring help to those affected by the severe tropical storm as classified by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)..
“We have been “tirelessly and urgently working towards the immediate deployment of relief, recovery, and rehabilitation in typhoon-hit areas, particularly in the Bicol Region,” he said.
Marcos assured victims that government “help has already reached many places” as of Thursday.
“To my fellowmen who were affected by this typhoon or have family living along the path of the typhoon: help has arrived in many places and are on the way to other places, rescue will be given and no Filipino will be left behind,” he said.
