Marcos tells agencies to speed up aid to flood victims

President Ferdinand Marcos said he has instructed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the people amid the floods in Metro Manila and several other provinces, and to deliver assistance to flood victims quickly.

"I gave the instructions for them to work and coordinate to ensure that all our kababayans are out of harm's way, and that the relief goods are ready to be delivered," Marcos said in Filipino in a video message posted by the Presidential Communications Office.

He was referring to the Office of Civil Defense, and the Departments of Transportation, Health, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Energy, Public Works and Highways and Interior and Local Government.

Marcos is currently in the United States for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

He said medical teams should also be present during the distribution of relief goods.  He added there should also be an unhampered supply of water and electricity.

Marcos appleaed to the public to heed the instructions of authorities as rains continue to batter Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

"The government is here to provide the services needed by our people," he said.

Earlier, Malacanang said it approved the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government to suspend classes and government work in Metro Manila, and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Occidental Mindoro.

In Memorandum Circular No. 89, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the class and work suspension in the said areas was also "Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council relative to the continuous heavy rainfall."

"However, agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions despite the declaration of work suspension," Bersamin added.

The rains are mostly brought by the Southwest Monsoon or habagat, as even Severe Tropical Storm Crising, which is already out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, also dampened the country this week.—LDF, GMA Intregrated News