Marcos taps private sector for typhoon road clearing ops

Rescuers work at the site after a recent landslide triggered by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine struck Talisay, Batangas,  leaving thousands homeless and several villagers dead last month. (AP Photo)

MANILA, Philippines  – Private companies who are part of the government’s “Build Better More” infrastructure programs should also lend a hand in road clearing operations after the impact of Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

“To the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and DOTr [Department of Transportation], you are on standby for road clearing operations. Use not only your machinery and trucks but also include private companies participating in our Build Better More infrastructure programs,” the president said in Filipino in a statement on Wednesday.

“I would like to express my gratitude now to all medical personnel, whether from public or private facilities, who are on standby to provide care to those in need. Remember, every life is valuable. Therefore, we must always be prepared and stay vigilant,” he added.

In the same statement, Marcos also placed all government agencies under high alert and directed the 24-hour monitoring of bodies of water that might overspill and cause flooding in its surrounding areas.

He also ordered the immediate prepositioning of rescue equipment and other assets in case they will be needed.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Marce might cause a storm surge within the next 48 hours in the low-lying coastal areas in Northern Luzon.

The storm surge warning covers Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Isabela.

Marce was last spotted 305 kilometers (km) east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, or 315 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph.