Saturday, June 21, 2008 Arroyo to Bicol, Samar: Be ready for 'Frank'
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday ordered all provinces within the path of typhoon Frank, along with the concerned agencies, to be on alert and prepare for the onslaught of the storm.
Reports said the typhoon will mostly hit areas in the Samar group of island and Bicol region.
Due to the bad weather, the President was forced to cancel her scheduled visit to Capiz, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said.
Arroyo was instead represented by Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes at the inauguration of the 15-megawatt modular power plant in Panit-an, Capiz that she had ordered to be switched on.
"The President ordered the switching-on of the power generators as she was not able to come because of the bad weather," Reyes said.
Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) deputy administrator Anthony Golez said the President has tapped Defense secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) chairman Gilbert Teodoro to ensure the issuing of ample warnings to "all provinces that will be along the path of typhoon Frank".
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) director Frisco Nilo said Storm signal number 3 is raised over the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, the provinces of Samar, Leyte and Biliran.
Golez said the NDCC chairman has already started to call up the concerned regional and provincial disaster coordinating councils "to convene and discuss preparedness measures to make sure the communities will be safe".
Teodoro also instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be on standby for any assistance in case of evacuation in certain areas.
Golez said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also been ordered to beef up their stockpiles, and be ready to augment the supplies of local government units when the need arises.
He said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are "now ready to move its heavy equipment to make sure that roads will be cleared to ensure smooth flow of traffic" while the NDCC operation center has also been fully activated to closely monitor events.
He assured that all agencies are prepared for the typhoon as they adopt measures that have proven effective and successful in aiding and rescuing victims of disasters and calamities.
He said massive information drive along with necessary drills is being conducted to prepare not just authorities but the public in general for any eventualities.
Golez said due to the ample preparations and early instructions of the President, she is able to proceed with her 10-day visit to San Francisco, Washington and New York in the United States.
Arroyo would leave late Saturday night for the US which would be highlighted by her meeting with outgoing President George W. Bush, and a possible meeting with his future successor, presidential candidates, Senators Barack Obama of the Democrats and John McCain of the Republicans. (JMR/Sunnex)
