President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed key government agencies to intensify flood mitigation efforts nationwide as part of a broader initiative to enhance disaster resilience and protect communities.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos instructed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to continue its flood mitigation projects, ensuring that all pumping stations and floodgates are operational at their maximum capacity.

“Inatasan din ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang MMDA na ipagpatuloy ang flood mitigation project upang masiguro na ang lahat ng pumping stations at floodgates ay gumagana sa kanilang pinakamataas na kapasidad at paglilinis at pag-alis ng bara sa mga daluyan ng tubig,” Castro said on Thursday.

Castro said the President also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to update their flood control and drainage master plans to ensure their effectiveness. The updates will cover Metro Manila, 18 major river basins, and other critical principal rivers.

The MMDA and DPWH are also tasked with expediting the update of the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan. This strategic framework outlines a comprehensive long-term strategy for enhancing drainage systems and mitigating flood risk.

Highlighting the importance of unity and shared responsibility, President Marcos called on Filipinos to join the government in efforts to keep creeks and other waterways clean to prevent flooding.

“Hinimok din ng Pangulo ang bawat Pilipino na makiisa sa mga hakbang ng gobyerno na panatilihing malinis ang mga estero at iba pang daluyang-tubig upang maiwasan ang pagbaha,” Castro said.

“Lagi pong tandaan: Ang lahat ay dapat na nagtutulungan upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga at ang bawat isa ay may bilang,” Castro said. | PND