Yesterday we started sending aid and commenced rescue operations in the areas affected by STS Kristine. Today, we will continue sending our help and aid.

I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and, even by sea.

I have ordered the full mobilization of available AFP personnel and resources which can be committed to relief operations.

Other uniformed agencies such as the PNP, BFP and the Philippine Coast Guard are likewise placed under that status.

I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation.

This includes presidential helicopters.

This means putting people out of harm’s way, those whose lives are in danger, and then paving the way for the rapid movement of relief resources to affected areas.

I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front.

All personnel leaves, except for medical reasons and those with humanitarian justifications, in the uniformed services, are deemed cancelled.

Members of the AFP and the PNP medical corps will join in the relief effort as frontline personnel.

For a speedy and streamlined disaster response, I have directed Cabinet Secretaries to lead relief and rehabilitation work in specific areas.

I have ordered the DBM Secretary to immediately release all necessary funds so that needed resources can be procured expeditiously.

The DSWD shall rush to all affected areas to provide relief goods, both pre-positioned and new supplies to augment those provided by the local government units.

As soon as weather permits, the DSWD will mobilize the grant of financial aid

under existing government programs.

The DA has been ordered to implement a quick planting and production turnaround plan to help farmers grow food the country needs.

This, of course, is premised on the grant of immediate assistance, including payment of crop insurance to farmers affected by the typhoon.

The DPWH has been under orders to undertake emergency road clearing operations. Private contractors are urged to join in the restoration of traffic on damaged roads and bridges.

To blunt any attempt at profiteering, the DTI is monitoring compliance with the price control on selected goods imposed in all areas under the State of Calamity, in accordance with the law. The DTI is also directed to ensure the unhampered flow of goods in all the affected areas.

I have directed the DA to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to affected areas, and so that many people will be reached, to expand its fleet by contracting private vehicle owners.