MANILA, Philippines ? The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Monday it would deploy its personnel even to provinces outside its jurisdiction to clear streets, drainage systems and waterways of all debris left by Typhoon ?Frank.?

In response to a directive from President Macapagal-Arroyo, the agency offered assistance to affected families in places across the country hardest hit by the typhoon over the weekend.

MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando said the agency would be coordinating with the National Disaster Coordinating Center (NDCC) and local officials for the immediate dispatch of MMDA rescue and flood control personnel as well as heavy equipment in disaster-stricken areas.

The massive clearing operations would be conducted in the provinces of Iloilo, Mindoro, Leyte, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas and Bulacan, Fernando said.

Ms Arroyo issued the order to Fernando to extend the MMDA?s flood control and clearing operations to affected provinces during the meeting of the NDCC held at the Department of National Defense on Sunday.

In a statement, Fernando quoted the President as saying that because Metro Manila was not severely affected by the typhoon despite massive flooding in several areas, it would be better to put the agency?s manpower and other resources to greater use elsewhere.

On Monday, the MMDA said it has readied its rock drillers, backhoes, concrete breakers, compressors, light trucks, generator sets, manlifters and chainsaws for shipping to the affected provinces upon the request of NDCC and local officials.

Last Sunday, Fernando, together with MMDA officials and a sidewalk clearing team, went around the metropolis to check flooded streets, drainage systems, rivers, creeks and other waterways, and instructed his men to clear them of debris.

During the inspection, Fernando noted that Roxas District in Quezon City and San Juan City were partially submerged due to the swelling of the rivers and tributaries around them.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said that since it was high tide at the height of the storm, there was heavy flooding in coastal areas from the surge of water from the bay area to inland.

In Metro Manila Monday morning, MMDA street sweepers, landscape personnel and sidewalk clearing teams began removing garbage, broken twigs and debris strewn on major and secondary roads.