Marcos issues slew of orders to sustain, boost storm Kristine response

Residents collect mud as they start cleaning their area after floods caused by storm Kristine (international name: Trami) hit Polangui, Albay province, Philippines, on October 23, 2024. – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a slew of directives to maintain and strengthen the government’s response to the widespread devastation caused by the storm. (Associated Press Photo/John Michael Magdasoc)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a slew of directives to maintain and strengthen the government response to the widespread devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

Marcos ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release all funds needed to assist victims of Kristine.

He also directed the cancellation of filed vacation leaves of uniformed personnel, except for medical reasons and humanitarian justifications.

Marcos instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to Kristine-affected areas.

“I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and even by sea,” he said in a statement Friday.

“I have ordered the full mobilization of available AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel and resources which can be committed to relief operations,” he added, noting that the police, fire personnel, and coast guard were placed under the same status.

READ: Marcos: Gov’t intensifying efforts to aid victims of Kristine

“I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships, and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation. This includes presidential helicopters,” Marcos continued.

“I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front,” he also said.

The DA was further tasked to implement a swift planting and production turnaround plan to help farmers grow food and meet the country’s requirements.

“This, of course, is premised on the grant of immediate assistance, including payment of crop insurance to farmers affected by the typhoon,” Marcos said.

READ: DPWH: 42 road sections nationwide now closed due to Kristine’s assault

The president also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to undertake emergency road-clearing operations and urged private contractors to join in efforts to restore traffic on damaged roads and bridges.

“To blunt any attempt at profiteering, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) is monitoring compliance with the price control on selected goods imposed in all areas under the State of Calamity, in accordance with the law. The DTI  is also directed to ensure the unhampered flow of goods in all the affected areas,” Marcos said.