The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has prepared PhP183.41 million worth of pre-positioned relief supplies as part of the government’s efforts to brace for the effects of the La Niña phenomenon in Central Luzon.

Of the figure, PhP5 million serves as the standby fund; PhP155.2M for 204,577 food packs; and PhP23.1M for non-food items.

“At ngayon naman, na paparating na ang tag-ulan, nakahanda na rin po ang inyong pamahalaan sa anumang magiging epekto nito,” President Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of financial aid to affected farmers and fisherfolk in Aurora on Friday.

President Marcos said the construction of the Aguang River Flood Control Structure Project in Baler is expected to protect lives and properties from inundation during heavy rains that may be brought by the natural phenomenon.

The provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija are expected to experience near-normal rainfall and below-normal in other provinces this month while near-normal rainfall is expected across Central Luzon by August and September this year.

Above-normal rainfall is expected in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales by November this year while near-normal rainfall in other provinces; and above-normal rainfall across the region from October to December this year.

President Marcos led on Friday the distribution of financial aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon, which caused PhP367.54 million worth of agricultural losses to 4,402 farmers in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac. PND