PNoy denies reports of slow gov't response to 'Lando'

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III disproved reports that government response has been slow in the areas affected by lingering Typhoon Lando.

In an interview with reporters after distributing relief goods in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Aquino said the government prepared relief aid and the necessary equipment even before the typhoon hit land.

"Slow response time? I think we have pre-positioned not just the relief supplies but also the equipment with DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) in so many different areas," Aquino said on Monday.

Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali backed the president's claim, saying 7,000 food packs were delivered earlier by the national government to his province.

"Actually, before we asked they already delivered these said packs," he said.

RELATED: PNoy says Lando's effects expected for 3 days, flooding still imminent

While denying that government response has been slow, Aquino also admitted that the present condition of some typhoon-hit areas have affected the relief operations.

"It's still going to be a challenge. In Gabaldon, I think, here in this province, you have very large boulders that are blocking the road but the equipment is present ?and they will proceed to remove all of this debris, but it does take some time," he said.

LIVE updates: Typhoon Lando

Aquino cited the lessons that the government has learned from Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 such as improved communication and coordination with local government units (LGUs).

He said Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Sarmiento called up all of the governors of the provinces in the projected path of the typhoon to determine their preparations and needs.

"The first thing that we didn't take for granted is the capacity of the LGU," Aquino said.

The president added that Project NOAH of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration continues to be fine-tuned.

"We are monitoring all of these major river systems and of course the Doppler radars are able to tell us how much rain will be dumped in what particular areas. But it is still a work in progress," he said. - Louis Bacani