President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the National Housing Authority (NHA) to find a resettlement area for Misamis Occidental residents whose houses were destroyed by the recent floodings.

“Nag-coordinate na kami sa National Housing Authority. Yung mga bahay na totally destroyed, hahanapan natin ng resettlement area para magkaroon ng tirahan (We have already coordinated with the National Housing Authority. We will find a resettlement for families whose houses were totally destroyed),” Marcos said during the distribution of assistance in Tudela, Misamis Occidental on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Once a relocation area is identified, the government will send rebuilding materials so people can start constructing new homes.

Marcos said this will be processed in the next weeks.

He also reiterated the need to improve flood-control structures which serve as the first line of defense against floods and overflowing rivers.

"Kaya naman titingnan natin ang lahat para gumawa tayo ng solusyon. Patuloy tayong maghuhukay sa mga ilog para gawing malalim, para hindi mabilis na – mabilis na lumabas ang tubig sa ilog at patuloy natin patitibayin ang mga flood control natin (We will look into all ways to provide solutions. We will continue to dredge rivers in order to prevent flooding and strengthen our flood control),” the President said.

He stressed that long-term solutions must be implemented to prevent massive flooding from happening again.

The chief executive also assured the residents of Misamis Occidental that the government would continue providing assistance to those in need, such as relief goods, potable water, clothing, and temporary shelter for the evacuees.

According to local officials, more than 16,000 families were affected by the flood.