MANILA – As the country enters the rainy season, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his administration is working to address the problem on flooding.
In a speech in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Thursday, the Chief Executive tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track the completion of flood control projects.
“Pagsusumikapan natin na sa mas lalong madaling panahon ay walang Pilipinong nakalubog sa baha at sa kahirapan. Ito po ang Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos said.
He added: “Sa panahon ng tagtuyot at tag-ulan, kaagapay niyo kami sa pagbangon tungo sa mas maunlad na buhay.”
The President also said he ordered the DPWH to hasten the completion of flood control projects, especially in the Davao Region.
“’Nagbigay na rin po ako ng direktiba sa Public Works na pabilisin ang pagkumpleto sa mga natitirang flood control projects dito. Dahil po naramdaman po natin ‘yung tagtuyot,” he said.
“‘Ang flood control project ngayon po na iyon ay hindi lamang para sa flood control. Nag-iipon din tayo ng tubig para sa irigasyon, para sa fresh water supply ng mga iba’t ibang household at lalagyan po natin kung kakayanin po, lalagyan po natin yan ng solar,” he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recently declared the official start of the rainy season.
The state weather bureau also warned that there is a high chance of La Niña developing during the July-September period.
La Niña would increase the likelihood of above-normal rainfall in parts of the country, especially toward the end of the year, the PAGASA stated./PN
