“NAKAHANDA ang Kamara at ang mga miyembro nito na magbigay ng tulong kung saan kinakailangan.”
This was the assurance given by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Monday as parts of the country were hit by heavy rainfall and flooding as a result of the Southwest Monsoon.
According to the Speaker from Isabela, House members representing affected constituencies are closely monitoring conditions on the ground and coordinating with local governments and concerned national agencies to help ensure that assistance reaches communities that need it most.
“Ang ating mga kongresista ang direktang nakakaalam sa sitwasyon sa kani-kanilang distrito. They are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and coordinating with the appropriate agencies so that we can respond immediately to the needs of our people,” said the Speaker from Isabela.
The Speaker stressed that while the government must be prepared to respond quickly during calamities, the cooperation of the public is key to preventing casualties and loss of life.
“Para makaiwas sa sakuna, hindi natin kailangang hintayin na lumala muna ang sitwasyon bago tayo kumilos. Kung may abiso na lumikas, sumunod po tayo. Kung delikado ang pagbiyahe, manatili muna tayo sa ligtas na lugar. Ang pinakamahalaga sa ngayon ay ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa,” Dy said.
Dy noted that in Isabela, which regularly faces typhoons, flooding, and other weather disturbances, local governments have learned the importance of early preparation, close coordination among agencies, prepositioning of resources, and working closely with the public before conditions deteriorate.
“Sa Isabela, natutunan namin sa maraming taon ng pagharap sa bagyo na napakahalaga ng paghahanda. Dapat maaga ang koordinasyon, nakahanda na ang mga tao at kagamitan, at malinaw kung ano ang gagawin bago pa dumating ang matinding ulan o pagbaha,” he said.
“Prevention, preparedness, and public cooperation save lives. Ito ang mga aral na paulit-ulit naming nakita sa Isabela at sa iba pang lugar, at ito rin ang nais nating pairalin sa lahat ng ating komunidad.”
The House of Representatives likewise adopted precautionary measures on Monday to protect its own personnel amid the inclement weather.
In an advisory issued early Monday, House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil announced the implementation of a work-from-home arrangement in the House “in view of the heavy rainfall and flooding brought about by the Southwest Monsoon.”
Garafil also announced the cancellation of Monday’s plenary session, which is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, August 11.
metrosundaily
