President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the scaling up of government response to widespread flooding in Metro Manila, as continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon have affected hundreds of communities in the National Capital Region.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes emphasized that government agencies are working around the clock in line with the President’s directive.
“Alinsunod po sa kautusan ng ating Pangulo, tayo po ay nag-prepare at walang tigil sa pagtatrabaho para ma-ensure po na handa ang ahensiya na tumugon sa hamon na dala po nitong hangin at ulan, habagat,” MMDA Chairman Artes said.
Artes reported that, out of over 500 flooding incidents recorded across Metro Manila within the last 24 hours, the number had dropped to 273 as of 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. The MMDA has mobilized significant resources, including 500 personnel, six buses, two military trucks, two rubber boats, and four aluminum boats.
“Iba-iba po ang degree ng lalim ng tubig, mayroong gutter deep at mayroon din naman pong malalalim. So, mahigit dalawandaan naman na po iyong humupa o nawalan na ng tubig,” Artes said.
“As we speak, iyon pong aming search and rescue boats at military trucks ay papunta po ng Malabon para po tumulong sa paglilikas dahil nagkaroon na po sila ng preemptive evacuation sa mga oras na ito,” Artes said.
The MMDA is also coordinating with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to provide free rides to stranded commuters. On Monday, the DOTr dispatched buses and trucks to ferry commuters in key areas, such as Commonwealth and Fairview.
On the pumping station operations, Artes said that all 71 MMDA pumping stations are operating at full capacity, although their efficiency is affected by solid waste that blocks drainage systems.
In response, Artes said MMDA’s declogging teams were immediately dispatched to clean up roads like Araneta Avenue, where receding floodwaters left behind tons of garbage.
Artes urged the public to stop dumping waste into waterways, warning that clogged drainage systems directly worsen urban flooding.
“Sana po ay linisin po natin ang ating mga paligid at huwag po tayong magtapon ng basura sa mga daluyan po ng tubig,” Artes said.
The Marcos administration assures the public that all concerned agencies are working around-the-clock to mitigate the effects of monsoon flooding, especially in highly vulnerable areas in Metro Manila.
The public is advised to remain vigilant, heed local government warnings, and cooperate with ongoing cleanup and rescue operations. | PND
