The government is closely monitoring Tropical Depression Neneng as it approaches Northern Luzon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday, assuring the public that necessary preparations are in place to quickly respond to those who could be affected.

During a media interview in Pasay City following his speech at the 8th Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention, Marcos said the government has a disaster response template pegged on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) weather forecast.

“So nakabantay kami ng mabuti. But once again, I think the key to all of these is to watch it very closely because may bagong feature ang mga bagyo ngayon,” Marcos said, recalling Typhoon Karding, which quickly developed from Typhoon Signal No. 1 to Signal No. 5 in a matter of hours.

“Mabilis mag-develop kaya kailangan nakabantay tayo nang husto. So that’s what we are doing,” he said.

In terms of relief goods, materials, and assets, he said concerned agencies had put them as close as possible to the typhoon’s track based on PAGASA’s forecast for immediate disaster response.

Tropical Depression Maymay has brought flooding in Cagayan province, that’s why the government is closely looking into the possible actions that could be done to prepare for the incoming weather disturbance, he said.

“Neneng now, I think, unfortunately, looks a little stronger. It looks a little stronger than the previous one at doon mas northern ang kanyang track,” Marcos said. 

Some 10,000 individuals will be affected by Tropical Depression Neneng based on current projections. (PND)