MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to intensify disaster preparedness measures as the rainy season sets in, with a particular focus on flood-prone areas such as Metro Manila.
Among the key orders from the President is the immediate clearing of sewers and drainage systems to prevent severe flooding in urban areas. The Palace emphasized that this task is urgent and must be coordinated with both national and local disaster risk reduction councils.
“Ayon nga sa Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, mayroon na po sila na 23 priority esteros sa National Capital Region gamit ang makabagong equipment o machinery para po ito malinis nang agaran, itong mga estero po,” said Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro.
To support the clean-up efforts, beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program are expected to be mobilized for sewer and drainage clearing operations.
The capital’s disaster risk reduction and management council has also been instructed to ensure the readiness of first responders for flood and other rainy season-related emergencies. Likewise, LGUs across the country have been ordered to activate their emergency operation centers, enhance evacuation readiness, update contingency plans, conduct community drills, and strictly enforce no-build zones.
This sweeping preparedness initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters and ensuring swift government response in vulnerable communities./PN
