By el Amigo
MANILA — Flood control dominated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s activities this week as the government stepped up its response to recent flooding while working on longer-term measures to make communities more resilient to severe weather.
Marcos personally reviewed the flood situation in Metro Manila, inspected a key pumping facility and met with Cabinet officials as the administration sought to improve both emergency response and the country’s broader flood management system.
At the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Communications and Command Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, the President presided over a situation briefing on the condition of flood-hit areas and the government’s response.
Marcos said the government still had substantial work ahead, calling for immediate interventions as well as medium- and long-term solutions to persistent flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
He instructed agencies involved in the response to ensure that assistance is delivered promptly to affected communities.
On Thursday, he proceeded to the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City to inspect one of the facilities involved in Metro Manila’s flood control network.
The administration is also reviewing flood control projects and examining at least 39 potential locations around Metro Manila that could be developed for floodwater storage and retention.
Government aid reaches PHP800 million
As authorities worked on infrastructure and drainage measures, the government continued its relief efforts for communities affected by flooding and severe weather.
Total government assistance had reached PHP800 million as Marcos brought Cabinet officials together to discuss the ongoing flood response.
The administration has emphasized that disaster preparedness must go beyond physical infrastructure, with efforts also needed to protect jobs, businesses, essential services and the communities most vulnerable to extreme weather.
Rice assistance reaches Negros Oriental families
Marcos also took his administration’s assistance programs to the countryside.
On Monday, he traveled to Negros Oriental for the launch of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program, leading the distribution of 10-kilogram rice allocations to approximately 2,230 beneficiaries in Dumaguete City.
The initiative is intended to provide assistance to qualified beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable sectors and low- and middle-income families dealing with higher household expenses.
During the visit, Marcos also went to the Baslay Highland Agriculture Cooperative, where he highlighted the contribution of farmers and community enterprises to local economic activity.
The administration has sought to ensure that economic opportunities and government support are not concentrated in major cities but also reach rural communities.
Local officials tapped as government partners
Marcos also met with local government representatives during the week, emphasizing the role of LGUs in carrying out national programs and responding to emergencies.
At Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, he administered the oath of office to newly elected national, regional and provincial officers of the Philippine Councilors League.
The engagement reinforced the need for close coordination between the national government and local authorities, particularly when communities face disasters and other emergencies.
Space technology and infrastructure investments
The President’s schedule also included initiatives aimed at preparing the country for future economic opportunities.
He received a briefing on Siklab: Building Industrial Space Launch System, an initiative linked to the development of industrial and technological capabilities in an emerging sector.
The government sees such areas as potential sources of investments, jobs and innovation as it seeks to broaden the country’s economic base.
Marcos also welcomed the US-ASEAN Business Council Philippine Business Mission at Malacañan, maintaining the administration’s engagement with international investors and the private sector.
He later met with the Private Sector Advisory Council on Infrastructure to discuss ways of addressing infrastructure gaps and strengthening the country’s ability to withstand increasingly disruptive weather conditions.
Marcos’ activities this week thus combined immediate disaster response with longer-term efforts in infrastructure, agriculture, local development, technology and investment, reflecting the administration’s push to deal with pressing problems while laying the groundwork for future growth.
ia/xf
