Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies and local officials to tighten disaster preparedness and enforce laws, including 'no-build zones,' as the country grapples with increasingly intense rainfall and flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat). Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday said Marcos issued the directives during a meeting with Cabinet officials on the Central Luzon flooding and Metro Manila health response, despite the holiday on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President stressed that climate change must be factored into government planning, noting that intense monsoon rains and severe flooding are being experienced not only in the Philippines but in several other countries. Marcos also called for stricter enforcement of existing laws, including restrictions on building in flood-prone areas.
Castro revealed that the President noted that Metro Manila and Cebu had master plans dating back to 1941 and 1936, respectively, that were not fully implemented. Had these plans been followed, she said, some areas now occupied by infrastructure could have remained open spaces that could absorb excess rainwater. "Dapat ipatupad ang batas pati ang 'no build zone'. Huwag nang mamulitika, ipatupad ang batas (Laws, including 'no-build zones,' must be enforced. Let us stop politicizing and just enforce the law)," Castro quoted Marcos as saying during a Palace briefing on Tuesday.
Castro mentioned that Marcos wants climate change preparedness incorporated into education, with schools teaching children at an early age how to respond to climate-related risks. At the community level, residents were urged to properly dispose of waste, clear waterways, and help prevent flooding caused by clogged drainage systems.
Local government units (LGUs) were directed to enforce no-build zones, maintain waterways, ensure regular garbage collection, and coordinate with national agencies on disaster preparedness.
During the same meeting, Marcos received updates on the government's response to flooding in Central Luzon and other affected areas. The Office of Civil Defense reported the continuing distribution of food, rice, potable water, and non-food items, as well as financial assistance to local governments. The military, police, coast guard, and fire personnel were also providing transportation and rescue assistance.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian reported that more than PHP618.3 million worth of humanitarian assistance had been delivered to Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan, while assistance across Central Luzon reached more than PHP874.8 million. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said affected farmers and fisherfolk were receiving immediate agricultural assistance, crop insurance, and financial aid, including PHP35,000 loans under the AgriRecover program.
Health Secretary Edwin Mercado noted that leptospirosis cases were 19 percent lower than the previous year and assured that medicines are available. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is operating at full capacity, with the Philippine General Hospital assisting in treating patients, Mercado said. The Department of Public Works and Highways reported ongoing repairs to damaged roads, bridges, dikes, and other flood-control infrastructure.
The Department of Budget and Management assured that funding is available through the government's Quick Response Fund for disaster-related needs. Castro emphasized that preparedness must extend beyond emergency response, as climate-related hazards are expected to become more severe. "Ang utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., huwag tayong magpakampante (President Marcos' directive is for us not to be complacent)," she said.
