PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has suspended government work and classes in Luzon, where several regions were battered by Super Typhoon “Karding” (international Name: Noru).
In a brief statement on Sunday, Press Secretary Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles confirmed Marcos approved the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommendation for the suspension.
NDRRMC proposed the suspension to take effect on Sept. 26, 2022 in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5 as well as in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Calabarazon and Mimaropa.
It will cover all government offices, except those engaged in frontline services, as well as classes in public schools at all levels.
NDRRMC said the suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public.
Government mobilization
Marcos said the government is now mobilizing its concerned agencies to respond to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Karding.”
Marcos issued the statement a few hours after arriving in the country from his working visit in the United States last week.
He is now coordinating with the NDRRMC and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to closely monitor the movement and impact of the super typhoon nationwide.
“The President is also in constant communication with DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary Benhur Abalos for possible evacuation especially in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding,” the Office of the Press Secretary said.
Likewise, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready to extend aid to typhoon victims.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) was alerted to look into the impact of “Karding” on agriculture.
Super typhoon
On Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Karding ” reached a super typhoon category after reaching 90 kilometers per hour.
Among the worst affected by “Karding” are the Polillo Islands and the northern portion of Quezon, where a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5 was imposed by Pagasa.
The rest of Luzon including Metro Manila were also affected by “Karding.”
The super typhoon is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday.
Image credits: Roy Domingo