Following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing ahead of Super Typhoon Pepito in coordination with local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.
In an interview during the Presidential Communications Office-Office of Civil Defense (PCO-OCD) media Briefing, MMDA Public Safety Division officer-in-charge Director Crisanto Saruca Jr. said Metro Manila mayors were advised as early as Thursday to prepare for Pepito.
“Ang ating mga Metro Manila Mayors ay duly advised na po sa magiging track at naghahanda na rin po sila sa pagdating ng ulan at malalakas na hangin,” Saruca said.
Saruca said the MMDA has activated its Emergency Operations Centers and deployed personnel and rescue and retrieval assets to strategic locations for emergencies.
“Kahapon (Saturday) naman po nag open na ang ating emergency operations center dito po sa MMDA. Ready na rin ang ating Public Safety Division personnel and other units as well as ating rescue and retrieval assets. Naka position na po dito sa MMDA at magdedeploy na tayo kung kinakailangan po,” he said.
Saruca said the MMDA has focused on areas prone to flooding, particularly in the CAMANAVA (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area, Marikina, EDSA, Quezon Avenue and Maria Clara areas.
The MMDA ensured that all of its 71 pumping stations are fully operational and under full control.
“Unang una po sinisigurado ng ating MMDA Chairman na ang 71 pumping stations are in full operational condition at ‘yun naman pong nasira na navigational gate ay naayos na rin po,” Saruca said.
He said Metro Manila mayors were advised to clear their areas of trash to prevent clogging, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was instructed to secure billboards and prepare construction equipment. (PND)
