Marcos: We are ready for ‘Mawar’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the country has adequately prepared for the possible onslaught of Super Typhoon “Marwar,” which has been forecast to enter the country’s area of responsibility late Friday or early Saturday.

Marcos told reporters relief goods have been prepositioned in areas particularly in Northern Luzon that could be affected by the fierce storm, which will be renamed “Betty” once it hits Philippine territory.

The typhoon is not expected to make landfall, but its fringe winds and the heavy rainfall it will generate could cause extensive damage.

The President said the government has to adjust its strategy in preparing for Mawar.

This time, local government units (LGUs) will make the crucial decisions, while the national government will be on standby, ready to support them, he said.

“We are in constant contact with the local governments para makita natin (to see) what is the situation in their place. We are in constant contact with them, also, to find out kung ano ‘yung kailangan nila, ano ang nangyayari dun sa lugar nila (what they need and what happened in their area), and then that way, we will be able to respond properly,” Marcos said.

He said he has discussed typhoon preparations with the Department of National Defense officer in charge, Undersecretary Carlito Galvez.

“We made sure that the funds and food packs have been prepositioned, response teams are on standby, and LGUs are ready in the areas to be affected by the typhoon,” Marcos said on a Facebook post.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Mawar had “slightly intensified” and could dump heavy rains in Northern Luzon be