Malacañang said flood mitigation remains a key government priority as the country braces for heavier rainfall amid the start of the school year, with major infrastructure works underway and master plans completed for river basin systems across the country.

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already started flood control projects, and many of them have been completed.

“Matagal na pong direktiba ng Pangulo ito (This has long been a directive of the President),” she said on Wednesday, June 18.

Among the projects cited was the construction of a 2,339.76-square-meter concrete slope protection along Bagac-Mariveles Road in Bataan.

Castro said the DPWH has also finalized individual master plans for each of the country’s 18 major river basins, customized based on the “specific characteristics and needs” of each area. These blueprints are expected to guide localized flood control responses and risk management efforts in the coming months.

“Although hindi natin masasabing 100 percent agad na mababawasan ang pagbabaha sa ating bansa pero patuloy pa rin po ang pagsasagawa ng DPWH para po maibsan ang problema rito (Although we cannot expect the floods to be eliminated overnight, DPWH continues to carry out works that can ease the burden on our communities),” she added.

According to the Palace Press Officer, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the State weather bureau PAGASA, has also intensified public weather awareness with the rollout of new monitoring and alert tools as part of the National Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week (TFAW).

Castro said the program’s theme, “Kahandaan sa Bagyo at Baha, Solusyon sa Ligtas na Bayan (Readiness for Storms and Floods, Solution for a Safe Nation),” highlights efforts to make crucial weather data more accessible to the public.

Among the initiatives introduced is the National Hydro-Met Observing Network, an interactive platform designed to collect and distribute critical information. A centralized alert system has also been launched to help residents receive real-time updates on severe weather events.

To guard against food shortages, Castro said the Department of Agriculture (DA) assured the public that the country’s rice supply remains sufficient.

“Okay naman po ang supply ng ating bigas sa kasalukuyan (Our rice supply is currently stable),” she said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepared its feeding programs in anticipation of displacement or other challenges in affected communities.

The Department of Health (DOH) has also reactivated its rainy season disease prevention drive, Castro said. This includes the “Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip” and “Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaigns, aimed at stopping the spread of mosquito-borne and waterborne illnesses during the wet season.