President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed government agencies to ensure that assistance reaches flood-affected communities without delay, particularly isolated areas, spearheading the assessment of the flooding and the health situations in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

Marcos presided over the Central Luzon Flooding and Metro Manila Health Response Meeting at 4 p.m. on August 31, bringing together the secretaries of the various government agencies.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the meeting focused on ensuring that government agencies respond promptly to the needs of communities affected by flooding and heavy rains.

The Palace Press Officer said the OCD reported the continued distribution of non-food items, rice and potable water to affected residents, as well as financial assistance to affected local government units through the Disaster Response Assistance and Preparedness (DRAP) program.

She noted that the agency also reported the procurement of rubber boats for use in flooded areas, the extension of transportation assistance through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and continuing search, rescue and retrieval operations.

Quoting reports, Castro said the government has extended P674.44 million worth of assistance, with P37.18 million provided to Tarlac, P358.15 million to Pampanga, and P270.10 million to Bulacan.

The Palace Press Officer said the meeting also tackled traffic problems along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), particularly in the Tulaoc-Pulilan/Viaduct area northbound and Tulaoc-San Fernando area southbound, where high floodwaters have prevented smaller vehicles from passing and caused congestion.

Patrol officers were deployed to help manage traffic, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) installed flood barriers, mobile pumps, and floating pumps along the NLEX in San Simon, Pampanga. The NLEX area is prone to flooding, and previous efforts to place sandbags were unsuccessful after the barriers were swept away by floodwaters.

Marcos specifically asked whether adequate food supplies were reaching communities isolated by floodwaters, stressing that no one should be left behind during a disaster.

The President also emphasized that food supplies should not run short and that the delivery of assistance should not be delayed.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Sherwin Gatchalian assured Marcos that food supplies remain sufficient and that isolated barangays are being reached through airlift operations to deliver food and other essential supplies.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said a temporary bridge is being used as a temporary crossing while the damaged Agana Bridge is being addressed.

The Balanti Dike and San Isidro Dike in Tarlac City are undergoing repairs under warranty, while work is also being undertaken at the Sto. Cristo Dam in Lubao, Pampanga, and Bucao Dike in Botolan, Zambales.

A temporary bridge will also be installed as the Sta. Fe Bridge in San Marcelino, Zambales is being repaired. Presidential News Desk