President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. assured Friday continued government support for families affected by the recent low-pressure area (LPA) in Caraga region, prioritizing access to medicine and clean water.
During a situation briefing held in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, the President emphasized immediate response as he tasked local government units and national agencies to distribute aid in evacuation centers.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reported the release of quick response funds to Caraga’s regional office.
Medicines, water purification tablets, and a water bladder were already deployed to address sanitation and hygiene needs and prevent waterborne diseases.
Moreover, President Marcos acknowledged the need for long-term solutions to address the region’s water scarcity, particularly in areas still submerged.
“We’ll continue to provide what we can but we have to have longer term, a more extended solution and what we usually do sa ibang lugar, nagpapadala kami ng (in other places is we deliver) purification system na galing pa sa MMDA ‘yung iba (some of which come from the MMDA),” President Marcos said.
“But that seems to be a practical stopgap measure in terms of providing water supply because as we all know that’s going to be critical,” he added, noting that it may also be practical to lend some of the machines for Caraga.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed the availability of 15 water purification machines in Metro Manila, which could be sent to Caraga. He highlighted the machines’ capacity to produce 185 gallons of clean water per hour, emphasizing the urgency of their deployment.