As heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon rains or “habagat” continued to affect a large part of the country, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) convened an emergency National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) full council meeting on Monday.

The meeting, held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, addressed the continuing impacts of habagat following the exit of Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the looming threat of a new low pressure area (LPA).

OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, and Assistant Secretary Cesar Idio, called together the heads of key agencies in disaster response to align efforts across government agencies upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The OCD responded swiftly to ensure all agencies remain proactive, collaborative, and ready for any developments.

The high-level meeting focused on the persistent heavy rainfall forecasted to affect the western portions of Luzon and parts of the Visayas until at least Friday.

With concerns over potential flooding and landslides, the council discussed early action and coordination mechanisms to safeguard lives and property.

The OCD underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in providing real-time ground data.

These inputs, combined with technical forecasts from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), will determine future course of action.

The council reached a consensus to continue monitoring the evolving situation and to base operational decisions on the most up-to-date information available.

OCD fully supports President Marcos’ directive to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events, as part of the government’s broader climate resilience strategy.

Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has also maintained close coordination with OCD to oversee preparations and reinforce inter-agency collaboration.

The meeting brought together a strong inter-agency lineup, ensuring a whole-of-government approach.

As of July 21, a total of 225,985 families or 800,864 persons have been affected by the recent weather disturbances.

Of these, 5,921 families or 20,115 persons are currently staying in 319 evacuation centers, while 16,671 families or 70,720 persons are being served outside evacuation centers. (PNA)