Palace satisfied with LGUs' preparations for Pepito

Malacañang yesterday expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by local government units (LGU) amid the threat of Super Typhoon Pepito.

-  BELLA CARIASO

In a radio interview, Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) spokesman for calamities and natural disasters, said that LGUs heeded the call of the national government, particularly after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla asked affected areas to implement immediate evacuations.

"Fortunately, the provinces affected by Super Typhoon Pepito heeded the call of the national government. Yesterday (Saturday), the DILG, led by Secretary Remulla, issued a directive on coastal communities with threats of storm surge to evacuate as early as possible. In that regard, based on the reports that we received since last night, the affected residents were evacuated in time and were relocated to higher grounds," Villarama said.

Villarama cited in particular LGUs in Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and the Bicol region.

"The local DRRM (disaster risk reduction management) and the LGUs were quick enough to relocate our fellow citizens in the evacuation centers. (The response of LGUs is) so far, so good, based on the reports we received from regional directors of OCD (Office of Civil Defense) and employees of state media," he added.

According to Villarama, based on the warning of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm surge could increase to three to seven meters.

"We measured that in colloquial terms and the height of a normal Filipino is about 1.5 meters. That (three meters) is equivalent to two (individuals)... and based on the report (of PAGASA, the storm surge) could reach seven meters, that is equivalent to (the height of) five individuals," he said.

Villarama noted that President Marcos has ordered concerned officials to ensure that the evacuation centers are safe from possible storm surges.