(MANILA BULLETIN)

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday, Aug. 12, underscored the need for the government to undertake an effective flood control program that would shield communities from the damaging impact of climate change. 

“Due to the adverse impact of climate change on our communities, the government needs to provide adequate flood control structures that would provide vulnerable areas with ample protection from the devastating impact of floods,” he said.

Gatchalian visited Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan Saturday to check on the devastation of the recent typhoons and to distribute P8.5 million worth of rice to typhoon victims in affected areas in Luzon.

Several towns and municipalities across Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan have been declared under a state of calamity in the wake of typhoons Egay and Falcon.

Specifically, P5.2 million worth of rice is distributed in Malolos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Balagtas, Paombong, Obando, San Miguel, Guiguinto, Pandi, and Plaridel in Bulacan where the senator is joined by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando. In Pangasinan, P1.25 million worth of rice is distributed where Gatchalian is joined by Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay, Mangatarem Mayor Ramil Ventenilla, and Sta. Barbara Mayor Carlito Zaplam. 

Also, Gatchalian is distributing P1 million worth of rice each for Bataan and Pampanga to be received by Bataan Governor Joet Garcia and Pampanga Governor Delta Pineda. The assistance is provided by the local government of Valenzuela.

Gatchalian’s call coincides with the President’s pronouncement that the national government has a master plan to swiftly address climate change, including the construction of a big water dam for flood prevention and agricultural enhancement. 

The staff of Senator Lito Lapid conducted relief operations in Barangay San Jose, Hagonoy, Bulacan, and the towns of San Simon and Sasmuan inundated by Super Typhoon ‘’Egay’’ and the opening of water gates in dams in the area.

The Lapid retief team distributed relief packs containing rice, noodles, coffee and corned beef to ome thousand families.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the government to help address two pressing issues in the country namely agricultural support and flood control, in a bid to bolster the agricultural sector and the country’s food security.

“Aside from our interventions for our local farmers, we also need to intensify our campaign against agricultural smuggling,” Go said in an interview after assisting poor residents in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

Go also stressed that both farmers and consumers cannot just wait when market prices are better. 

He appealed to concerned agencies to provide marketing assistance to farmers to help them trade and sell their products on their own at better prices.

“Let us first protect our local farmers, let’s support them. It is important that our farmers are also happy,” he added.

He further emphasized the need to empower farmers to form cooperatives and to establish post-harvest facilities.

“It is important that they get post-harvest facilities. This is a big help in maintaining the quality of their products and in having the right price for it,” added Go.

Go is one of the authors of Republic Act (RA) 11901, which expanded the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system.

He has also been advocating for other programs to support farmers and fisherfolks in the country, such as the enhancement of the irrigation of farmlands and expansion of the National Rice Program.

Go also co-authored the New Agrarian Emancipation Act which was recently enacted into law. The measure seeks to condone loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs.