Marcos: Gov’t working to address flooding woes soonest

MANILA – As the Philippines enters the rainy season, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public Thursday that the government is working to address the country’s problems on flooding “as soon as possible."

In a speech during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Marcos said he has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track the completion of flood control projects.

“Pagsusumikapan natin na sa mas lalong madaling panahon ay walang Pilipinong nakalubog sa baha at sa kahirapan. Ito po ang Bagong Pilipinas (We will work hard to ensure that no Filipino will be drowned in flooding or poverty. This is the New Philippines),” Marcos said.

“Sa panahon ng tagtuyot at tag-ulan, kaagapay niyo kami sa pagbangon tungo sa mas maunlad na buhay (In times of drought or rainy season, we are with you every step of the way toward a more prosperous life),” he added.

Last week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially announced the start of the rainy season.

It also warned that there is a high chance of La Niña developing during the July-September period.

According to the weather bureau, La Niña would increase the likelihood of above-normal rainfall in parts of the country, especially toward the end of the year.

Davao infra projects

In the same speech, Marcos said the government is working double time to ensure the completion of infrastructure projects in the Davao region.

Some of the projects nearing completion are the Mawab-Maragusan-Caraga Road, Carmen-Tagum City Coastal Road, Tagum City Bypass Road and Mindanao Railway Project Phase.

He also cited the construction of the seven-story Davao Regional Medical Center in Apokon, Tagum City, which is seen to bring quality healthcare and medical services in the region.

The President said the administration is also on track to finishing the New Visayas-Tulalian Farm-to-Market Road that will improve transport of agricultural products to the market.

“Kapag po itong malalaking proyekto na ito ay natapos na ito, hindi lamang ginwaha sa biyahe ang mararamdaman natin, kung hindi ang mas mabilis din na pagpasok ng kaunlaran dito (Once these major infrastructure projects are completed, not only will it improve transportation in the area, it will also usher in development in the region),” he said. (PNA)