Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on local government units (LGUs) to swiftly conduct their respective clean up projects to prevent an outbreak of diseases in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina.

“I urge LGUs to immediately collect the garbage and debris everywhere ASAP (as soon as possible) so that the lives of the affected people can gradually return to normal,” Escudero said.

“Grabe ang basura at putik kahit saan (There is a lot of garbage and mud everywhere),” the Senate chief said.

“The last thing we want is for disease to spread after this calamity,” he pointed out.

Likewise, Escudero urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to use its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to tap the manpower and provide temporary jobs for those who need assistance for the cleaning activities.

He pointed out barangays work with DOLE to hire local workers for the cleanup, ensuring the affected areas are quickly and effectively addressed.

Eariler, the Senate leader scored the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) over its failure to address chronic flooding in Metro Manila.

This, after Metro Manila and several parts of the country was brought to a halt by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, or “habagat” due to massive flooding.

Escudero joined calls for a thorough investigation into the government’s flood control projects, questioning the efficacy of these initiatives despite the P255-billion budget allocated to it this year.

“We cannot control the severity and frequency of typhoons and heavy rains, but we must anticipate, adjust, and adapt so that extreme weather phenomena do not unnecessarily disrupt the lives of our kababayan,” Escudero said.