President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to ensure that assistance reaches all residents affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon (“habagat”) and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, particularly those in remote areas.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos led a situation briefing Monday morning with government agencies monitoring the safety of residents in Metro Manila and other regions affected by torrential rains.

The President also directed authorities to extend assistance to affected residents who have returned home after staying in evacuation centers.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), PHP39.37 million worth of assistance has been provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with local government units, to affected communities in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Some 3,841 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been deployed for possible search and rescue operations, supported by 14 air assets and one naval asset.

Another 4,392 personnel and 943 pieces of equipment are on standby for immediate deployment, while the Office of Civil Defense, AFP, Philippine Navy, and Bureau of Fire Protection have prepared additional response equipment.

Castro said the DSWD has distributed 54,370 family food packs, 2,722 ready-to-eat food items, 23 other food items, and 1,376 non-food items to affected communities.

The agency has also provided nearly PHP1 million in financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

Nationwide, nearly 5 million family food packs and 245,474 non-food items are on standby, along with PHP1.61 billion in DSWD funds for disaster response. (PNA)