President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conducts an aerial inspection of communities and a floodway in Rizal to assess the extent of damage caused by the Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by Super Typhoon Carina, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday directed heads of various government agencies to find ways to deliver food and water to unreachable areas in Rizal, particularly Barangay Sta. Ines in Tanay.
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The directive followed a report from Rizal Governor Nina Ynares detailing the severe situation in four towns in Rizal, three of which were “badly hit.” Ynares mentioned that in Barangay Sta. Ines, roads are impassable, and aerial delivery was suggested to aid around 3,000 families in the highland area.
Marcos proposed using boats to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, as a video briefing showed goods being delivered via a rope across the river. “We have to get those supplies up to those people who have not been reached for the past three days. I’m always thinking of the elderly and the children. Let’s find a way to do that,” Marcos emphasized.
Marcos suggested using two helicopters to expedite aid to the over 3,000 families in Tanay, hoping for results within the day.
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. responded, stating that he would coordinate with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for helicopter deployment. Abalos also mentioned organizing efforts with the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health to ensure delivery of essential supplies.
Marcos further suggested providing a portable water purification system to the affected areas. “We have to find a way. Medicines also. Basically, all the usual things that we bring up. The problem we have all these things is that they are ready… but how do we transport them up there,” he noted.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa proposed evacuating the sick and elderly from the isolated areas for medical assistance. “Rather than give the medicine to them, bring them down as they are at high risk there,” Herbosa advised.
Governor Ynares reported the number of families and evacuation centers in four towns in Rizal:
- San Mateo: 27 evacuation centers with 3,031 evacuated families
- Montalban: 27 evacuation centers with 3,170 evacuated families
- Cainta: 19 evacuation centers with 2,213 evacuated families
- Tanay: 9 evacuation centers with 215 evacuated families