DSWD chief visits flood-hit Macabebe, pushes for long-term flood solution
MACABEBE, Pampanga — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Macabebe on Tuesday, August 18, to personally assess the situation of families affected by severe flooding.
He assured them that the national government will continue to provide immediate assistance as well as longer-term solutions to the province’s recurring flood problem.
Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda called for a comprehensive, long-term master plan to address flooding that continues to affect communities across the province.
The DSWD committed to provide an additional 10,000 family food packs to help meet the basic needs of families displaced by the flooding.
Gatchalian’s visit also highlighted the need to complement relief operations with engineering interventions that could provide more sustainable protection for flood-prone communities.
Provincial and local officials joined the discussions, including Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, Macabebe Mayor Bobong Flores and Vice Mayor Vince Flores, as well as officials from Apalit and Minalin.
The visit underscored the government’s continuing response to flood-affected communities and to address both the immediate needs of the evacuees and the long-standing causes of flooding in Pampanga.