LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines -- In making the rounds in calamity-stricken areas, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants her Cabinet members to lead the way and address the people's concerns.

Arroyo issued this directive to members of her official family during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council meeting here late Friday, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

"The President said, and I quote, 'If I have the time to go around and inspect what's happening on the ground then I expect all my Cabinet Secretaries to be doing that ahead of me'," Yap said in an interview.

"I think that's a clear message, that's a clear instruction for all Cabinet secretaries," he added.

Arroyo was here to get an update on the rehabilitation works in Region 1 following the onslaught of typhoons Cosme (international codename: Halong) and Frank (Fengshen).

In cases of typhoons, for example, Yap said the President wants Cabinet officials to take the initiative to visit affected provinces and promptly address the needs of the victims.

Since arriving from her 10-day US trip, Arroyo has been visiting provinces hit by Frank to distribute relief goods and check on assistance to victims.

She went to Iloilo, Aklan and has gone to Sibuyan Island in Romblon where the MV Princess of the Stars, which was carrying over 800 passengers and crew, capsized at the height of Typhoon Frank.

Arroyo has also presided over Regional Disaster Coordinating Council meetings in Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Southern Tagalog, and Region 1.

Yap is one of the few Cabinet officials who have accompanied the President in touring the affected areas.

When she visited Romblon, she even directed Yap to remain behind to attend to the needs of the people.

Knowing the President, Yap said he has learned to be always prepared for last-minute instructions. In fact, he said he always bring extra clothes with him.