EDITORIAL
Storms, heavy rains, floods, and typhoons are yearly occurrences in the Philippines. Our people are accustomed to these natural calamities and a whole executive branch department—the Department of Social Welfare and Development—is tasked to handle disaster relief and assistance to victims, aside from local government units, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Metro Manila Development Authority and others.
Malacañang, of course, is and should be on top of the situation every time tragedy strikes. With the onslaught of typhoon Aghon today, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered local government units (LGUs), emergency services and all relevant agencies to monitor Tropical Storm Aghon as it continues to move across the country.
In a statement, the President urged the public to stay vigilant and prioritize everyone’s safety as he committed to prioritize the well-being of people by ensuring availability of food and non-food items, health services and evacuation centers to affected communities.
“As Tropical Storm #AghonPH continues to move across our country, I urge everyone in the affected areas to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety,” Marcos said.
“The well-being of our people is our utmost priority. I have directed local government units, emergency services, and all relevant agencies to work tirelessly in monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance. Food and non-food items, health services, and evacuation centers are all being mobilized to support affected communities,” he added.
The President urged everyone to look out for one another, especially the vulnerable ones as he assured the country will get through this challenge as one.
“Let us all look out for one another, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities. Together, we will get through this storm,” he said.
Tropical Depression Aghon has intensified into a tropical storm over Tayabas Bay, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday.
We note that the typhoon made a landfall in Lucena City and uprooted several old trees there, with many residents victimized. Then it again made a landfall in Patnanungan island, in northern Quezon, carrying the same strength and causing more environmental and economic damage. These areas are under Quezon Gov. Angelina “Helen” Tan, a doctor by profession and former member of the House of Representatives. Quezon residents are lucky that Governor Helen Tan is on top of the situation, mobilizing all resources and personnel available and even going out of her way to help her constituents in this time of need.
In Quezon, which was directly hit by the typhoon, the people do not even need to be reminded by the President to look out for one another. That compassion and sympathy are intrinsic characteristics of Filipinos, but more so with Quezonins.
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