By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is aware of public frustration over widespread flooding and has been directing government agencies to accelerate both immediate and long-term measures to address the problem, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President recognizes the public’s anger, particularly amid concerns over alleged corruption in flood control projects.
“Nararamdaman po. Sinabi po iyan sa amin,” Usec. Castro said in a Palace briefing, adding that the administration needs to show the public the measures it has undertaken to address flooding.
She cited completed and ongoing initiatives, including pumping stations in Naga and Navotas cities and the deployment of mobile pumping equipment.
Usec. Castro said the administration is also updating flood control master plans covering 18 major river basins and other critical principal rivers.
Based on information from Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, updated master plans and feasibility studies for 16 of the 18 major river basins had been completed as of May 31, 2026.
Plans for the Cagayan and Pasig-Marikina-Laguna de Bay river basins are targeted for completion by the end of 2026, Usec. Castro said.
She noted that some existing flood control master plans date back to the 1930s and 1940s and may no longer be adequate given current conditions, including the effects of climate change.
The Malacañang official said President Marcos Jr. has also directed government agencies to consider climate change as a major factor behind increasingly intense rainfall and rapidly rising floodwaters.
“Ang climate change ay hindi salita lamang. Ito ay nangyayari, nangyayari na ngayon at dapat tayong maghanda,” she said.
Central Luzon, Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon have experienced widespread flooding as heavy monsoon rains persist.
Usec. Castro said the Chief Executive has repeatedly convened and directed government agencies to address flood-related concerns, including on days when government offices and classes were suspended.
“Sobra na po actually ang pag-uutos ng Pangulo sa lahat ng ahensiya kahit walang pasok, kailangan kaming pumasok dahil kailangang pag-usapan ito.” (PNA)
