Manila, August 10, 2026 – The Europe Today: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to ensure that assistance reaches all residents affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, with particular attention to communities in remote areas.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos chaired a situation briefing on Monday morning with government agencies monitoring the safety and welfare of residents in Metro Manila and other regions affected by torrential rains.
The President also instructed authorities to continue providing assistance to affected residents who have already returned home after seeking temporary shelter in evacuation centers.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with local government units, has provided assistance worth PHP39.37 million to affected communities across Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, Western Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Meanwhile, 3,841 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been deployed for possible search-and-rescue operations. The response teams are supported by 14 air assets and one naval asset.
A further 4,392 personnel and 943 pieces of equipment remain on standby for immediate deployment. The Office of Civil Defense, AFP, Philippine Navy and Bureau of Fire Protection have also prepared additional response equipment to strengthen emergency operations.
Castro said the DSWD has distributed 54,370 family food packs, 2,722 ready-to-eat food items, 23 other food items and 1,376 non-food items to communities affected by the severe weather.
The department has additionally provided nearly PHP1 million in financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
At the national level, nearly five million family food packs and 245,474 non-food items are currently on standby, along with PHP1.61 billion in DSWD funds allocated for disaster response.
The President’s directives underscore the government’s efforts to ensure a coordinated and sustained response, particularly for vulnerable communities and residents in areas that remain difficult to access.
