Gov’t satisfied with storm response but admits shortcomings

January 3, 2019

Malacanang on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte is satisfied with the preparation of the government of Tropical Depression Usman despite high number of casualties.

"I think he is (satisfied), said President Spokesman Salvador Panelo in a press briefing.

“(But) there are certain matters that we are not able to respond immediately. The LGUs ( local government units) have an explanation (regarding the matter) and let’s see on what else we can do so that we can be more prepare in times of calamity,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to inspect the Bicol region on Friday, said Panelo.

“We are scheduled to visit tomorrow... in Bicol area, Camarines Sur. He (Duterte) will check on the stricken areas to know what (help) we should do there,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the government "is doing everything to be prepared.'' "But there are things that you cannot control, there are really times when there is a tragedy,” he added.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said as of Thursday 122 persons were reported dead in Bicol, Mimrapoa ( Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Eastern Visayas due to Tropical Storm "Usman" and prevailing bad weather systems.

Panelo said the government “will learn from whatever lessons” they have seen during the calamity. '

Panelo said the government will ask the Department of Energy to fix those areas which don’t have electricity even before the storm arrived. The government will also communicate with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu regarding landslide-prone areas.

Panelo said the government is ready to conduct seminars for local government officials to help them understand warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa). Ella Dionisio/DMS