President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. placed all government agencies on high alert in anticipation of Typhoon Marce’s expected impact, particularly in Luzon.
"Salubungin natin ang Bagyong Marce na may ibayong paghahanda, sa abot ng ating makakaya, alinsunod sa mga matagal ng nailatag na mga patnubay sa ganitong hamon," Marcos said in his official statement on Wednesday.
"Sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, you all know the drill. I am placing you all in high alert," he added.
Marcos emphasized the need to initiate preparations for establishing an efficient communication system that can quickly deliver advisories and information to the public.
He further stated that the actions of the public depend on the early warnings provided by government agencies, as he emphasized, "knowledge saves lives."
Moreover, he directed that all rivers, lakes, shorelines, and any water passages be under 24-hour surveillance.
On the matter of affected dams, he entrusted expert teams to carry out the appropriate actions as per existing protocols if there is a threat of overflow.
"Ikasa na rin ang lahat ng rescue equipment, sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan, sa lahat ng ahensya na maaaring mag-ambag ng mga kagamitan, lalo na mga sasakyan," said Marcos.
Additionally, he stressed that relief goods should be forward-deployed to safe storage areas to ensure they can be quickly distributed to the affected communities.
On the part of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), both agencies were tasked to be on standby for road clearing operations.
"Gamitin nyo hindi lang ang inyong mga makinarya, mga truck, kasama rin dapat ang mga pribadong kumpanya na kalahok sa ating Build Better More infrastructure programs," Marcos stated.
"Ngayon pa lang pinapasalamatan ko na ang lahat ng medical personnel, sa publiko man o pribadong mga pasilidad, na nakaantabay na maglapat ng lunas sa mga nangangailangan," he added.
Marcos reiterated the importance of every life, urging everyone to remain prepared and cautious at all times.
