MANILA, July 16 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed concerned government agencies to expedite clearing and recovery operations in areas hit by typhoon “Glenda” to ensure an early return to normalcy.
Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that clearing and recovery teams are working round-the-clock to clear major roads of debris and fallen electric posts and cables.
Coloma said the President also ordered the National Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and its local councils to fast-track the recovery operations after typhoon “Glenda” made landfall in Bicol, Southern Luzon, Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, he said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, also the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chair, reported that the typhoon left at least six dead, six injured and one missing.
Citing NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Alexander Pama, Coloma pointed out that the preparedness of local councils, headed by provincial governors and city and town mayors, was a major factor in minimizing casualties and injuries.
He said Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson also reported minimal flooding and no major damage to roads, bridges and buildings.
The PCOO chief said Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas and Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman cited the high level of citizen awareness and cooperation in heeding calls for them to seek shelter in evacuation centers before the storm struck.
Coloma said Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo fielded price monitoring teams to ensure that prices and supplies of prime commodities remain stable.
