Palace satisfied with LGUs’ preparations for Pepito

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by local government units (LGU) amid the threat of Super Typhoon Pepito.

In a radio interview, Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) spokesman for calamities and natural disasters, said that LGUs heeded the call of the national government, particularly after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla asked affected areas to implement immediate evacuations.

“Fortunately, the provinces affected by Super Typhoon Pepito heeded the call of the national government. Yesterday (Saturday), the DILG, led by Secretary Remulla, issued a directive on coastal communities with threats of storm surge to evacuate as early as possible. In that regard, based on the reports that we received since last night, the affected residents were evacuated in time and were relocated to higher grounds,” Villarama said.

Villarama cited in particular LGUs in Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and the Bicol region.

“The local DRRM (disaster risk reduction management) and the LGUs were quick enough to relocate our fellow citizens in the evacuation centers. (The response of LGUs is) so far, so good, based on the reports we received from regional directors of OCD (Office of Civil Defense) and employees of state media,” he added.

According to Villarama, based on the warning of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm surge could increase to three to seven meters.

“We measured that in colloquial terms and the height of a normal Filipino is about 1.5 meters. That (three meters) is equivalent to two (individuals)… and based on the report (of PAGASA, the storm surge) could reach seven meters, that is equivalent to (the height of) five individuals,” he said.

Villarama noted that President Marcos has ordered concerned officials to ensure that the evacuation centers are safe from possible storm surges.

He gave assurance of enough relief supplies in the affected areas.

“Since we’ve had six successive typhoons, the food and non-food items were already prepositioned, including government personnel, whether the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare), DOH (Department of Health), soldiers, police who will be needed in the relief and rehabilitation efforts,” Villarama said.

He noted that Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured the public that the DSWD is working double time to ensure that the relief goods will be sufficient.

“Aside from Pasay City and Cebu, we have many repacking centers. There are many temporary repacking centers for family food packs and already prepositioned in the provinces affected and to be affected by the typhoon. We don’t have a shortage in the food supply and once the weather improves, additional supply will come in,” Villarama added.

At the same time, he said that Marcos already directed concerned authorities to ensure that the mental health of the evacuees, especially in Northern Luzon, is also addressed.

Villarama said that the OCD is also implementing a rotation of personnel amid the red alert being observed.

“While we understand an urgency, we recognize that the health and mental well-being of our personnel should be also considered,” he said.

Review of disaster funds sought

With severe typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel and Pepito battering various parts of the country in a month, Sen. Bong Go called for an immediate, transparent and comprehensive review and utilization of the government’s disaster funds.

Go – vice chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and on finance – emphasized the need for accountability in disaster fund allocation.

He said he intends to seek clarification on how these funds have been utilized, and advocate for stricter oversight to prevent any potential misuse of resources intended for disaster response.

With much of the country affected by recent typhoons, Go raised the importance of proper use of disaster funds as intended in accordance with existing laws, and acknowledged that dedicated funds for such purposes already exist within agencies like the DSWD.

“The disaster fund is for those affected by the typhoon and should not be used for other things,” Go said in a statement. “I understand that ayuda (handouts) are needed, but there are separate funds and programs for that set aside for those in need.”

“The implementation of disaster funds must be clear in order for affected communities to recover faster,” he said. “It is important for the people to trust that government funds are being used in the right way, especially in times of crisis.”

In line with his efforts to improve the country’s disaster response framework, the senator reiterated his push for Senate Bill 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act.

The bill, which seeks to create a specialized agency dedicated to disaster preparedness and response, has been a long-standing priority for Go.

“This DDR is very important because even before the typhoon arrives, there is an agency that will focus on the prepositioning of goods, coordination with LGUs, and ensuring the safety of our countrymen,” Go explained. “And after the typhoon, needs will be met quickly and the lives of our countrymen can be returned to normal immediately.”

He stressed that the proposed creation of the DDR would address current gaps in the disaster response system and prevent recurring issues regarding fund allocation and resource management.

Severe typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel and currently Pepito hit many parts of the country in past weeks.

As of Nov. 16, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Typhoons Kristine and Leon collectively forced the preemptive evacuation of more than 168,000 people across nine regions, affecting over 2.4 million families and more than 9.6 million people.

These typhoons claimed the lives of 162 people, left 137 injured and 22 missing.

Typhoon Marce impacted over 110,841 families, forcing thousands to evacuate. Meanwhile, Typhoons Nika, Ofel and Pepito collectively affected 110,410 families so far.

Go pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, he appealed for additional allocations to replenish the dwindling disaster funds of LGUs. — Cecille Suerte Felipe