ANTIPOLO CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reiterated the importance of storm preparedness and flood warnings to safeguard communities against extreme weather disasters.
The President delivered this message during a situation briefing on Friday at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo City.
The briefing, attended by cabinet secretaries and local officials led by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, focused on assessing the widespread destruction caused by Tropical Storm Enteng and the intensified Southwest Monsoon in the province, as well as ongoing emergency response efforts.
President Marcos directed national and local government units to work closely together to ensure swift assistance to those affected by Enteng.
Expressing concern over the gravity of the situation, President Marcos remarked: “The severity of this crisis exceeds our projections. It is imperative that we go above and beyond to address the challenges posed by these calamities.”
The President highlighted the necessity for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to continue distributing relief goods, while emphasizing the essential roles of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in carrying out clearing operations.
In addition, the President emphasized the urgency of enhancing infrastructure to bolster communities against future flooding risks, including the construction of additional dams and the expansion of the Wawa Dam Project.
The Rizal provincial government disclosed plans for an integrated flood mitigation strategy aimed at enhancing structural flood controls, preserving watershed integrity, and implementing robust community planning.
This includes fortifying drainage systems from Teresa to Morong and constructing a spillway to the Morong River.
Governor Ynares acknowledged the situation remains severe as authorities strive to address extensive damage and aid displaced residents.
The flooding and landslides have claimed the lives of 12 individuals, while three persons remain missing and five residents have sustained injuries. Some 10,313 families, totaling 33,480 individuals moved to 171 evacuation centers throughout the province, with 59 centers remaining active. The estimated infrastructure damage is valued at Php314 million while agricultural losses are estimated at Php30 million. (MBL/PIA – Rizal)
