The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday assured that necessary measures are in place for disaster and flooding response with the onset of the La Niña phenomenon in the country.
In an interview in Cavite, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said that “Operation Listo” will play a major role in preparing the public for the heavy rains and strong winds brought by the weather phenomenon.
Operation Listo is an advocacy program of the DILG aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness among LGUs using a whole-of-government approach.
Its first component, called Listong Pamahalaang Lokal, was launched in 2014, institutionalizing local protocols for disaster preparedness, response, and monitoring.
“Well, ganito po, lahat ng DILG even before especially ang mga kanal, ang mga drainage dapat talaga linisin po iyan dahil hindi natin masasabi with La Niña. It’s about two typhoons per month, even three with more water and probably stronger winds,” Abalos said.
“’Yan po ang climate change kaya iyan po ang aming direktiba sa lahat po. And of course, the Operation Listo kung palapit na (typhoon) meron silang mga procedures to follow when to evacuate,” he added.
Malacañang suspended classes in public schools and work in government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday amid the inclement weather.
The Palace announced the suspension in a Facebook post upon the recommendation of the National and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Some areas in Metro Manila were submerged in floodwaters early Wednesday as a result of continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat.” PND
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