MANILA (PIA) — As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. continues his advocacy for “unity,” it sheds light towards collaborative efforts in helping the affected Filipinos amidst typhoon Carina.
“Ang pagkakaisa ay naging adhikain ko dahil sa aking apat na paniniwala na ng pagkakaisa ay ang unang hakbang upang tayo ay makaraos na sa gitna ng krisis na nasan tayo,” Marcos said.
(“Unity has become my aspiration because of my four beliefs that unity is the first step for us to overcome the crisis we are currently facing.”)
With its purpose to bolster resilience in times of calamity, there remains a significant question on how people can continue living despite the flooding, especially considering the National Capital Region (NCR) is under a state of calamity.
Photo by Philippine News Agency
Swift relief for flood victims
As part of the unity advocacy, swift assistance operations stand as the government’s way of aiding fellow citizens affected by the calamity.
“I have instructed all concerned agencies to provide swift assistance to all those affected by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon,” Marcos said.
In line with this assistance, approximately P2.88 million worth of aid and close to 4,500 personnel are on standby for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.
However, the assistance provided did not stop there, as rescue operations were needed in heavily flooded areas.
Photo by Philippine News Agency
Unsung heroes amid typhoon
In a densely populated capital, unsung heroes ready to serve with its mission and calling to save the lives of Filipinos.
Almost 6,000 police officers and over 1,500 military personnel were deployed in search and rescue operations to assist those trapped in the different areas of Metro Manila.
As rescuers prove that their profession of saving lives is their calling, the government, especially department agencies collaborates with them to send affected individuals to evacuation centers.
Relief goods for citizens’ recovery
According to data provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), over 10,000 families in the National Capital Region (NCR) residing in evacuation centers, as well as those who opted to remain in their homes, faced significant challenges in accessing food and water.
With the assistance of the local government units (LGUs) and DSWD-NCR, affected families and individuals in NCR received support. The food provided aimed to elevate their nutritional intake beyond the usual fare of relief goods, which typically include rice, canned goods, and powdered drinks, collectively known as “family food packs” (FFPs).
“Right now what we’re using is FFPs (family food packs)… What we want next—and is already in the procurement process—is ready-to-eat meals,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
Meanwhile, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized that DSWD’s ready-to-eat meals should include nutritious components such as vegetables, rice, and nutribun to promote health.
Alongside nutritional concerns, the government also recognizes the need for medical assistance.
Medical teams in evacuation center
Marcos ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to provide medical teams in the evacuation centers, citing occasional oversights.
“The next aspect to address is healthcare. Kung minsan nakakalimutan ‘yan. But those in the evacuated areas will need to, kailangan meron silang clinic sa bawat evacuation center or at least may umiikot na medical team,” Marcos said.
With this, a healthy living atmosphere will be felt inside the evacuation centers.
“Tell the DOH that the evacuation centers, kailangan, lalo na ‘yung mga bata, we have to provide some medical assistance kahit na ‘yung mga BHW (Barangay Health Workers) lang nila muna hangga’t makarating ‘yung doktor doon,” he added.
As Marcos aims to address the typhoon situation, considering the fact that the Philippines was part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the effective collaboration in unity between its citizens and government creates a valuable impact to address it. (AVS / PIA-NCR)
