Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — The Municipal Government of San Marcelino and national government agencies are strengthening coordination to address the immediate needs of residents of Barangay Sta. Fe, one of the communities heavily affected by flooding brought by continuous rains and the enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat.
Personnel from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) paid a courtesy call on San Marcelino Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria to discuss the situation in Sta. Fe and possible interventions to address the damage caused by the recent flooding.
Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
Among those who joined the visit were Assistant Secretary Laurence E. Mina, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) OIC-Regional Director Shelby Ruiz, Michael Dumlao, and DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office Engineer Rey Lerio.
Following the courtesy call, the group conducted an ocular inspection in Barangay Sta. Fe to assess the extent of the damage, particularly to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure affected by the flooding.
The inspection also focused on identifying possible long-term measures to reduce the risk of recurring flooding in the community.
Among the proposed interventions were the construction of a higher and stronger bridge, establishment of a dike, and development of alternative access roads, including the Sitio Ilong–Sitio Oit Road and Sta. Fe–Omaya Road.
Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
DSWD Food Packs Arrive for Affected Families
As part of the continuing response, food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) arrived at the Municipal Evacuation Center in San Marcelino early Friday morning, August 28.
The food packs are scheduled for distribution to affected residents of Barangay Sta. Fe on Friday as the local government continues to provide assistance to families affected by the flooding.
Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of San Marcelino is assisting in the unloading and distribution of the relief goods to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Mayor Soria expressed appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the national government for their immediate response and continuing assistance to Marcelino residents affected by the disaster.
Soria said the presence of national government officials on the ground allows authorities to assess the situation firsthand and determine appropriate interventions for affected communities.
The mayor also assured residents that the local government will continue coordinating with concerned national government agencies to address both the immediate needs of affected families and the long-term infrastructure requirements of Barangay Sta. Fe.
The continuing response highlights the importance of close coordination between local and national government agencies in providing timely assistance, restoring damaged infrastructure, and strengthening the resilience of communities vulnerable to flooding.