MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday the government is prepared amid the series of tropical cyclones lashing parts of the country.

The president said they are monitoring the effects of typhoon Nika in Isabela and Aurora, adding that the government has prepositioned relief goods and other needed equipment.

However, he emphasized the need to brace for another incoming cyclone set to be named Ofel. 

"The problem is there is another one that's now 3,000 plus kilometers off the coast of Luzon. And that promises to be a stronger one. So, we just have to continue to prepare," Marcos Jr. said on the sidelines at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 at The Cove, Okada Manila.

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Marcos Jr. also noted the difficulties in rehabilitating the areas ravaged by consecutive typhoons. 

"Ngayon, sinasabi natin, mag-isip-isip tayo kasi kung aayusin natin, tapos sisirain na naman ng susunod na bagyo, sayang lang 'yung ating ginawa. So kailangan natin mag-plano. Pero 'yung mga tao, kailangan na may kuryente, kailangan na may food supply, kailangan na may tubig, kailangan na ayusin ang kanilang buhay," he stated. 

"So this is the balance that we are, this is the tightrope that we are trying to navigate," the president added. 

The chief executive urged residents situated in areas along the storm's path to follow orders.

"So everyone, please listen to your local government and authorities who tell you what to do," he appealed. 

Marcos Jr. also assured the public that the government is ready to respond to typhoon-hit areas as soon as possible, noting that clearing operations are underway.

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