President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered the release of more than P1.6 billion in standby funds and the preparation of over five million family food packs as Tropical Depression Maymay — internationally known as Kujira — combined with the southwest monsoon to batter parts of the country, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

The Philippines experiences an average of around 20 tropical cyclones entering its area of responsibility each year, making preemptive disaster response a standing priority for the national government.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro, speaking at a news briefing in Filipino, confirmed that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is now on full alert status in response to the President's directive. She stated that NDRRMC member agencies have been ordered to implement preemptive measures aimed at ensuring a rapid response and mitigating the impact of both the tropical depression and the enhanced southwest monsoon, known locally as the habagat, which typically brings heavy rainfall to the western sections of the country during the wet season.

President Marcos also directed authorities to carry out preemptive evacuations in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and coastal hazards.

In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority deployed rescue personnel and equipment across the capital, coordinating with all 17 local government units and activating its 73 pumping stations to boost the capacity of waterways. Metro Manila's low-lying geography and extensive network of river systems and esteros make it particularly susceptible to urban flooding during sustained downpours.

The Palace ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels across Metro Manila and 22 provinces as heavy rainfall persisted over large swaths of Luzon.

According to Ms. Castro, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has allocated nearly P1.8 million for humanitarian assistance. The agency has already distributed family food packs, ready-to-eat food items, and sleeping kits to affected communities, including those in Benguet, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Albay, and Zamboanga City.

"In total, the government has prepared more than five million family food packs for affected areas, while more than P1.6 billion in standby funds are available nationwide," Ms. Castro said.

As of 2 p.m. on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Maymay had weakened while moving east-southeast over the Cordillera region. The cyclone was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) with gusts reaching up to 75 kph. PAGASA indicated it could weaken into a remnant low later in the day after crossing Northern Luzon.

The weather bureau also noted that Typhoon Dolphin, currently outside the Philippine area of responsibility, is being actively monitored. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained hoisted over parts of Northern Luzon.

PAGASA warned that the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Maymay's periphery will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall across much of the country in the coming days. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking