Marcos: Gov’t on high alert for ‘Marce’

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

In a statement, Marcos underscored the need for an efficient communication system to ensure that relevant information reaches communities promptly and on-the-ground situations are reported accurately. (RTVM Screengrab via PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed all government agencies to be on high alert as Tropical Storm Marce (international name: Yinxing) threatens northern Luzon.

In a statement, Marcos underscored the need for an efficient communication system to ensure that relevant information reaches communities promptly and on-the-ground situations are reported accurately.

“Simulan natin sa pagkasa ng isang maayos na sistema ng komunikasyon na mabilis maghahatid ng abiso at impormasyon sa mga mamamayan (Let’s start by establishing a proper communication system that will quickly deliver notification and information to the citizens),” Marcos said.

“Tandaan na nakabatay ang kanilang pagkilos sa mga maagang warnings na inyong ipaaabot (Remember that their actions are based on the early warnings you provide). Knowledge saves lives.”

The President also instructed authorities to monitor water levels in waterways and reservoirs round-the-clock.

“Siguraduhin na lahat ng ilog, lawa, baybayin at anumang lagusan ng tubig ay nasa ilalim ng 24-hour na pagmamatyag. Paulit-ulit ko ng sinasabi yan. Hindi ako magsasawang ulit-ulitin yan (Make sure all rivers, lakes, shores and any waterways are under 24-hour surveillance. I have been saying that. And I won’t get tired of repeating it),” he said.

“Sa mga dams na maapektuhan, ipinauubaya ko sa mga ekspertong kawani ng mga ito na sundin ang nararapat na hakbang batay sa existing protocols kung may nagbabadyang pag-apaw ng tubig (For the dams that will be affected, I leave it to their expert staff to follow the appropriate steps based on existing protocols if there is an impending water overflow).”

Rescue units at all levels of government, including those that can reinforce rescue and relief operations, were directed to prepare their equipment and vehicles.

The Chief Executive also reminded authorities to preposition relief goods in safe warehouses, where they can be accessed quickly and delivered promptly to areas to be affected.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation were told to be on standby for road-clearing operations.

As early as now, the President has extended his gratitude to the medical personnel, whether in public or private facilities, who are waiting to apply a cure to those in need.

“Tandaan, ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Kaya dapat tayo ay laging handa, laging mag-iingat (Remember, every life is important. So we must always be ready, always be careful),” he said.