President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed concerned government agencies on Thursday to overhaul the country’s flood control master plan, citing the escalating impact of climate change on the country.
Speaking during a distribution of aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by recent typhoons, President Marcos said he directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other agencies to revise the country’s flood control master plan to meet the demands of increasingly severe weather events.
“The storms are different now.,” he said in his address in Oriental Mindoro. “We have flood control measures, but due to the increased water from the rainfall, they can no longer cope.”
Mr. Marcos also announced that nearly P600 million has been allocated for flood control projects across MIMAROPA, with P214.08 million dedicated to recently completed flood structures in Oriental Mindoro.
The President once again urged for a whole-of-nation response to climate change, emphasizing the importance of local and national government coordination.
He also instructed the DENR and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to encourage local government units to utilize geohazard maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
These maps, he explained, are essential for identifying areas prone to landslides and flooding, helping communities better prepare for potential threats.
Amid his call for cooperation, President Marcos reminded residents of the importance of heeding evacuation orders, especially those in high-risk areas.
“Do not hesitate to evacuate if it will save your life,” he urged.
The President also tasked the DPWH, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other agencies with assessing the integrity of roads and other infrastructure to ensure resilience against severe weather.
He emphasized that due to an “unusual volume of rain,” current flood control measures are being outpaced by rising water levels.
