Marcos to agencies: Flood victims should have everything they need

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday called on government agencies to ensure that help will reach all those in need, especially in isolated areas, amid the massive flooding brought by Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon.

“I think the response is okay. We just have to keep it up. Focus your attention on those areas that are presently isolated. Importante ‘yun kasi ‘yang mga 'yan, [puwedeng] hindi na kumain ng ilang araw [dahil sa baha e],” Marcos said during the situation briefing on effects of Typhoon Carina and enhanced Southwest Monsoon, referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of Civil Defense.

(Those are important. Those in isolated areas could be left with nothing to eat due to the floods.)

“As soon as possible, dapat naka-ready na 'yung ipapasok natin [na tulong]. That is a critical ang situation. Of course, we are providing assistance to those outside of the evacuation centers, and we will continue to do that. We have to make sure that they have everything that they need,” Marcos added.

(We have to provide them help as soon as possible.)

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. already pitched the possibility of placing the National Capital Region under state of calamity due to the flooding inundating main roads and even ramps en route to the Skyway.

The President, however, said such a decision is within the authority of local chief executives.

“It's up to the local communities to decide because they know best,” Marcos said in a separate interview.

“If the calamity already covers three regions, then the national government has to come in. That's a national calamity already,” Marcos added.

In its 11 a.m. update, PAGASA said Carina continued to intensify while moving towards Taiwan.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes while TCWS No. 1 was raised over Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana, Gonzaga), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams.) —KG, GMA Integrated News