President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to make sure food, medicine and other assistance reach communities affected by floods, including areas cut off by rising waters.

Marcos Jr. issued the directive during a meeting Monday with several Cabinet officials on the flooding in Central Luzon and the health situation in Metro Manila.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President wanted government agencies to respond quickly to the needs of affected residents.

“Nais siguruhin ng Pangulo na ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan ay tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mamamayan sa pinakamabilis na oras,” Castro said.

The Office of Civil Defense reported continued distribution of rice, drinking water and other relief items, as well as financial assistance to affected local governments.

Rubber boats were also being procured, while the AFP, PNP, Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection continued providing transportation and conducting rescue and retrieval operations.

The government has so far provided P674.44 million in assistance to Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan.

Of the amount, P37.18 million went to Tarlac, P358.15 million to Pampanga and P270.10 million to Bulacan.

Flooding along the North Luzon Expressway also figured in the meeting, particularly in the Tulaoc-Pulilan/Viaduct area northbound and Tulaoc-San Fernando area southbound.

Floodwaters have prevented smaller vehicles from passing through some sections, causing heavy traffic.

The MMDA deployed flood barriers and mobile and floating pumps along the NLEX in San Simon, Pampanga. Officials also discussed warning smaller vehicles earlier when floodwaters begin rising to prevent motorists from getting stranded.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, reported P618.36 million worth of humanitarian assistance for flood-hit communities, including food packs, ready-to-eat meals, non-food items and financial aid.

The department also sent three mobile kitchens to affected areas.

Marcos Jr. specifically asked whether residents in isolated communities were receiving enough food.

“Pero may isang concern ang Pangulo… kung sapat ang supply ng pagkain kaya tinanong ng Pangulo ang kalihim kung ang mga na-isolate na lugar dahil sa baha ay naaabutan ng pagkain at pangangailangan dahil ang utos niya ay walang maiiwan kahit sa gitna ng kalamidad,” Castro said.

She said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the President that food supplies were sufficient and that isolated barangays were being reached through airlift operations.

Farmers and fisherfolk affected by the bad weather will also receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture, including crop insurance, financial aid and loans of up to P35,000 under the Agri-RECOVER program.

The DA is also working to replenish its Quick Response Fund.

On the health side, the Department of Health reported 5,835 leptospirosis cases, 19% lower than the 7,187 cases recorded during the same period last year.

The DOH said medicines for leptospirosis patients remain available. Patients may seek treatment at government or private hospitals, with PhilHealth packages available for the disease.

The DPWH also reported repairs on damaged roads, bridges, dikes and pumping stations in Central Luzon and nearby areas.

Temporary Bailey bridges are being used or prepared in areas where bridges were damaged, including Tarlac and Zambales.

The Department of Budget and Management also assured Marcos Jr. that funds remain available for disaster response as of August 28.IMT