Bacolor: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited an evacuation center in Bacolor, Pampanga, to assess the condition of families affected by floods and monitor government relief efforts. The visit on Monday was part of a broader initiative to ensure effective distribution of aid to those displaced by recent weather-related disasters.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos went to the Bacolor Integrated School Evacuation Center in Barangay Cabambangan, where he interacted with evacuees and observed the distribution of PHP10,000 in cash assistance per family head. This aid is provided under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The President was accompanied by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, Bacolor Mayor Eduardo Datu, and other local officials during his visit.

Upon his arrival, President Marcos inspected classroom shelters and engaged with displaced residents before proceeding to the school covered court, where financial assistance distribution was in progress. As of August 23, the school has been home to 216 families, or 836 individuals, for 16 days. The DSWD has also been providing family food packs and hot meals through its Mobile Kitchen.

Currently, Bacolor hosts 11 active evacuation centers, accommodating 559 families or 2,221 individuals. DSWD reports indicate that across Pampanga, 315,807 families, or 1.01 million individuals, were affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng. Of these, 3,118 families, or 11,308 individuals, remain in temporary shelters.

Flooding has impacted 18 areas, including Candaba, Santa Ana, Macabebe, and others. Initial assessments report damage to 10 roads, government facilities, and flood control structures, with four houses destroyed and 47 partially damaged. Agricultural losses in the province have reached PHP423.84 million, affecting 8,742 farmers and fisherfolk. In response, Pampanga declared a state of calamity on August 12.

The DSWD has distributed PHP243.37 million in assistance to affected families and maintains PHP2.63 million in standby funds, along with 127,947 family food packs at its Regional Field Office III. Additional resources at DSWD Disaster Resource Centers are ready for deployment across Central Luzon.

Efforts to mitigate flooding are ongoing, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducting de-clogging and maintenance of waterways and drainage channels. The DPWH has also proposed long-term infrastructure solutions, including dredging operations, the Pampanga Delta Development Project Phase 2, and the construction of multiple floodway and defense projects spanning Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan.