Amid the mounting frustration of Filipinos bearing the brunt of the continuing floods brought by the southwest monsoon and other weather disturbances, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message to the people, as relayed by the Palace, was brief: “Ingat!” (Be careful).

The President also instructed the people to follow the advice of authorities and evacuate immediately, when necessary, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

“The President’s message to our countrymen is to take care, follow the advice of the authorities, and, if evacuation is necessary, leave immediately for your own safety,” Castro said in Filipino in a video message on Monday.

Marcos issued the message as parts of Central Luzon continued to grapple with widespread flooding, particularly Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac and Zambales following days of heavy rain.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau said 3,786 barangays were susceptible to geohazards from 30 August to 2 September based on weather bureau PAGASA’s rainfall forecasts.

Palace assures aid

Malacañang assured flood victims of continuing government assistance, particularly in evacuation centers.

“The assistance is there and you will not be allowed to go hungry. Non-food kits, including hygiene kits, sleeping kits, clothing and kitchen kits, will also be provided. Food and non-food supplies are more than sufficient and evacuation centers are being attended to. There must also be adequate supplies of medicine,” Castro said.

She said the President had ordered the authorities to address both the immediate needs of affected residents and the long-term flooding problems in Pampanga and Bulacan.

Castro added that Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon had personally gone to Hagonoy and Paombong in Bulacan to assess the situation.

She said Cabinet members updated the President after the rains intensified late last week

“When the rains intensified again Friday and Saturday, Cabinet members once again updated the President who ordered that all residents be ensured of sufficient food and non-food kits,” Castro said.

She said Dizon had briefed the President on the collapse of two major bridges in Tarlac — the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and the Agana Bridge — which the DPWH chief had earlier inspected.

“In situations like this, the President does not need to issue specific instructions to the Cabinet members because they already know what the President wants — swift action,” Castro said.

State of calamity

Tarlac was placed under a state of calamity following the severe southwest monsoon rains, widespread flooding, and the collapse of the two bridges.

Pampanga has been under a state of calamity since 12 August, while Bulacan followed on 20 August.

For residents who have spent days watching the floodwaters rise, however, assurances of assistance may offer limited comfort without a clear timetable for the water to recede.

For many families in evacuation centers, the immediate question is no longer how to stay safe, but when they can finally go home.