President Marcos has ordered government agencies to revise the country's flood control masterplan.
Marcos made the directive to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other agencies during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday, Nov. 14.
He said the Philippines is experiencing an unusual volume of rain, resulting in massive inundation despite the flood control projects.
"Ang sabi ko nga, ang bagyo ngayon iba na. May mga flood control tayo pero dahil sa mas madaming tubig na dulot ng pag-ulan, hindi na nakakayanan (As what I have been saying, typhoons have evolved. We have flood control but because typhoons are now causing more rainwaters, our flood control are unable to take it)," Marcos said in his speech during the distribution activity.
"Kaya inatasan ko na rin ang DPWH, ang DENR, at iba pang ahensya na rebisahin ang flood control masterplan upang makasabay sa patuloy na paglakas ng mga bagyo (So, I am directing the DPWH, DENR, and other agencies to revise our flood control masterplan to keep up with the strong typhoons)," Marcos ordered.
The President also instructed the DPWH, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and local government units (LGUs) to conduct thorough study on roads and bridges to ensure the infrastructures' resilience over the changing climate.
"Para naman sa DPWH, DOTr, DOST, DTI, at ibang pang ahensya at lokal na pamahalaan, inuulit ko po, pag-aralan at suriin nang mabuti ang ating mga kalsada, tulay, at iba pang istruktura upang matiyak natin ang de-kalidad, ligtas, at handa na itong mga istrukturang ito laban sa pababago ng panahon (For the DPWH, DOTr, DOST, DTI, other agencies, and the local government units, I reiterate, study and examine thoroughly our roads, bridges, and other infrastructures to ensure their quality, safety, and are prepare to withstand the change in the climate)," Marcos further said.
In a separate distribution of assistance in Cavite, Marcos likewise directed the DPWH to expedite the completion of the Cavite Industrial Area—Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRMP), stressing that it should be able to withstand the impacts of climate change, especially the recurring flooding.
The project, which is expected to be completed by 2029, will prevent severe flooding in the lower reach of the San Juan River Basin and its adjacent Maalimango Creek Drainage Area.
Last week, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by Marcos, approved the increased cost and extended construction period of the CIA-FRMP.
Use geohazard maps
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change in the country, Marcos encouraged the LGUs to use the geohazard maps of the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, which helps in identifying landslide-prone and flood-prone areas.
He sought the cooperation of the LGUs and the people amid the challenges brought by the successive typhoons in the country.
"Inatasan ko na ang DILG at DENR na hikayatin ang ating lokal na pamahalaan na gamitin ang geohazard map ng DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau upang magsilbing gabay sa mga landslide-prone at masyadong maraming baha na lugar (I am ordering the Department of the Interior and Local Government and DENR to encourage our LGUs to use the geohazard map of DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau to guide them in determining landside- and flood-prone areas)," Marcos said.
"Hinihimok ko rin ang ating mga kababayan na sumunod sa mga babala ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan para sa inyong kaligtasan (I am also urging our countrymen to follow the warnings of your LGUs for your safety)," he said.
"Lalo na po roon sa mga kinakailangang lumikas; batid namin na mahirap maiwan ang inyong bahay, mga pag-aari, ngunit huwag na pong mag-atubili na lumikas kung ito ay sasalba sa inyong buhay (Especially those who need to evacuated; we know that it is hard to leave your houses and properties behind, but do not hesitate to evacuated if it can save your life)," he further said.
Financial aid
During his visit in Oriental Mindoro, Marcos led the distribution of P46.14 million in financial assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon.
He distributed P10,000 each to 4,546 farmers and fisherfolk and their families at the Abada College Gymnasium in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.
Of the 4,546 beneficiaries, 415 came from the Municipality of Baco; 41 from Calapan City; 257 from the Municipality of Naujan; 51 from Pola; 115 from Puerto Galera; 45 from San Teodoro; 228 from Socorro; 358 from Victoria; 169 from Bansud; 716 from Bongabong; 672 from Bulalacao; 18 from Gloria; and 1,024 from Mansalay.
At least 242 residents from the Municipality of Pinamalayan also received cash assistance along with 195 others from the Municipality of Roxas.
In Cavite, Marcos also delivered P42.33-million financial aid to 4,233 farmers and fisherfolk affected by typhoons Kristine and Leon.
Of the 4,233 beneficiaries, 18 came from the Municipality of Kawit; five from Noveleta; 127 from Bacoor; 37 from Imus; 119 from Dasmariñas; 33 from Carmona; 488 from Silang; 27 from General Mariano Alvarez; 331 from General Trias; and 139 from Amadeo.