MANILA, Aug. 31 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured Filipinos affected by widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) that the government is maintaining a round-the-clock response to provide immediate assistance and relief to affected communities.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday said Marcos spent the week monitoring the situation, personally inspecting flood-hit areas in Bulacan and Pampanga and meeting with local officials to assess their needs.

Marcos ordered Cabinet officials to ensure sufficient food and non-food supplies, medicines, and properly maintained evacuation centers for affected communities.

He also directed concerned agencies to pursue both immediate and long-term sol...