By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kept the government’s action-oriented agenda moving this week, with flood control and disaster resilience taking center stage alongside efforts to support communities, strengthen infrastructure, and attract investments.
The President’s convening of a situation briefing on Wednesday and inspection of the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City on Thursday underscored the administration’s continuing efforts to improve the country’s flood control and drainage systems, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The activities highlighted the government’s intensified measures to address the effects of heavy rains and flooding, including the mobilization of assistance for affected communities and the review of longer-term measures to improve the country’s capacity to manage floods.
Intensifying flood response
Marcos presided over a situation briefing at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Communications and Command Center in Pasay City to assess the condition of affected areas, the government’s ongoing response, and measures being undertaken to mitigate the effects of flooding.
He acknowledged that “a lot of work (still) needs to be done,” as his administration pursues short-, medium- and long-term actions to address flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
He also directed government agencies to ensure swift response to affected communities.
Marcos also inspected the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City, highlighting the administration’s push to improve the country’s flood control network, especially in Metro Manila.
The government has been pursuing various measures to improve flood management, including the monitoring of flood control projects and the identification of at least 39 sites across Metro Manila for possible floodwater storage and retention projects.
Aid for affected communities
While strengthening defenses against floods, the Marcos administration continued to mobilize assistance for communities affected by recent flooding and severe weather.
Government assistance had reached PHP800 million as Marcos convened Cabinet officials to discuss flood measures and the continuing response to affected communities.
For the President, disaster response is not only about strengthening flood control infrastructures but also efforts to protect livelihoods, businesses, public services, and communities.
His flood control agenda complemented his broader push to ensure that government services and development programs reach Filipinos wherever they are.
Bringing assistance to the countryside
The President’s week was not confined to flood control, as he traveled to Negros Oriental on Monday to lead the rollout of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program.
During the launch of the program, Marcos led the distribution of 10-kg. rice allocations to about 2,230 beneficiaries in Dumaguete City, as the national government expanded services and assistance nationwide.
The initiative provides direct assistance to qualified beneficiaries, including vulnerable sectors and low- and middle-income families, helping ease household expenses amid elevated costs of basic commodities.
Marcos also visited the Baslay Highland Agriculture Cooperative in Negros Oriental, highlighting the administration’s support for farmers and community-based economic activities.
The visit provided an opportunity to recognize the role of farmers and local enterprises in strengthening rural economies and ensuring that economic growth is felt beyond major urban areas.
Strengthening local partnerships
Marcos’ activities also showed that the administration’s development agenda extends beyond immediate relief and social assistance.
On Tuesday, Marcos led the oath-taking of newly elected national, regional, and provincial officers of the Philippine Councilors League at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
The engagement emphasized the role of local government units as partners of the national government in implementing programs and responding to emergencies.
Looking beyond immediate needs
The President also received a briefing on Siklab: Building Industrial Space Launch System, signaling the government’s continuing interest in developing new areas of industrial and technological capability.
The initiative reflects a broader economic agenda that looks beyond immediate concerns by exploring opportunities in emerging industries capable of generating investments, jobs, and technological innovation.
Such efforts broaden the week’s narrative beyond flood control and disaster response.
Engaging the private sector
Marcos also received the US-ASEAN Business Council Philippine Business Mission at Malacañan, providing another avenue for engagement with the private sector and international business community.
He also met with the Private Sector Advisory Council on Infrastructure as the government aims to address existing infrastructure gaps and prepare communities for increasingly disruptive weather events.
This week’s schedule demonstrated the administration’s sustained efforts to balance urgent national concerns with long-term development priorities. (PNA)
