Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday lauded barangay volunteers for consistently standing on the front line of disasters brought by the southwest monsoon, Severe Tropical Storm Crising, Tropical Storm Dante, and Typhoon Emong.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG highlighted the need for sustained investment in training, equipment, and other forms of support for these essential front-line workers, as their role becomes increasingly crucial due to climate change. The DILG emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas focuses not only on progress but also on preparedness, compassion, and unity at all levels of governance.
The DILG noted the volunteers' unwavering commitment and localized knowledge, which have proven essential in reaching high-risk and hard-to-access areas, often ahead of formal response units. In San Rafael, Bulacan, barangay nutrition scholars and other volunteers monitored the health and condition of pre-school children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women among vulnerable groups during the onslaught of Crising.
In San Mateo, Rizal, volunteers from Angat San Mateo and Angat Montalban provided hot meals to evacuees at Maly Elementary School in Barangay Maly and residents at Riverside Asirle Street in Barangay Ampid II. In Quezon City, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Payatas, along with other barangay and youth volunteers, prepared food packs for residents affected by Crising and the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) mobilized its Reactionary Standby Support Force to assist communities affected by widespread flooding and severe weather conditions. Central Luzon Police Chief, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones, reported that personnel from various Police Provincial Offices and City Police Offices were deployed to carry out emergency response operations in coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies.
In Olongapo City, police conducted road clearing operations along Manggahan Extension in Barangay Barretto to restore accessibility and ensure public safety in flood-hit areas. Similarly, in Pampanga, Lubao Municipal Police personnel carried out clearing operations to support the LGU's disaster response efforts. In Bulacan, Pulilan Municipal Police distributed relief goods to families impacted by heavy rains and localized flooding.
The RSSF stationed at the PRO-3 headquarters remained on alert for further deployment as needed, ready to augment relief and rescue efforts throughout the region.
