MANILA, Philippines--In the wake of the devastation wrought by typhoon "Frank" (international codename: Fengshen), Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita has convened the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to assess the damage and map out rescue and relief efforts.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will join the meeting via teleconference from the United States, where she is on a 10-day official visit.