MANILA – Malacañang on Saturday vowed that the government will assist families affected by Typhoon "Ambo" (international name Vongfong).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque gave the assurance during the Laging Handa program aired on state-run PTV-4, as he condoled with typhoon victims.
“Sa ngayon po, nakikiramay po tayo at nakikiisa po doon sa dinaanan ng bagyong Ambo (We extend our sympathies to victims of Typhoon Ambo),” he said.
Roque said that the government is ready for the impact of the typhoon.
“Laging handa naman po tayo sa ganitong mga sakuna, at laging handa po tayo, lalung-lalo na sa mga bagyo (We are always ready to handle disasters and typhoons),” he said.
Thousands were displaced, some houses and establishments were destroyed, and power lines were cut in the wake of the devastation of Ambo.
Roque was elated that strict social distancing on a per-family basis was observed as typhoon victims sought temporary shelters in evacuation centers.
“Bago pa po dumating ang bagyo, nandiyan na po, naka-preposition na po ang ating mga relief good, nakahanda na po ang mga evacuation center natin (Before the typhoon hit the Philippine land, we already prepositioned relief goods and prepared our evacuation centers),” he said.
Ambo, the first typhoon to hit the country this year, slightly weakens while moving north-northwestward over the coast of Ilocos provinces, according to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin issued by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA said Ambo is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday afternoon. (PNA)
