Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. assured on Thursday, March 14, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on top of the El Niño situation and is aware of what is happening on the ground.
Abalos, at a press conference in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, pointed out that the president has created a multi-agency task force on El Niño to monitor and respond to the situation.
The government is on a tight watch over food prices, water, and power supply as it anticipates the El Niño to affect more provinces, Task Force El Niño spokesperson and Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama also said earlier.
Abalos joined a Town Hall Meeting attended by Negros Occidental officials and mayors led by Acting Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and Victorias Mayor Javier Benitez, Negros Association of Chief Executives president, at the Victorias City Coliseum.
The local officials signed a Pledge of Commitment and Support to Department of the Interior and Local Government Programs.
Abalos pledged that all local government units in the country will have fire trucks and fire stations before the end of the year.
He also rallied the local officials and law enforcers present to continue the campaign against illegal drugs.
Abalos on Thursday also joined Benitez in an Advocacy Run Against Illegal Drugs.*