President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday conducted an aerial inspection of flood-hit areas in the cities of Marikina and Antipolo during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Enteng (Yagi).
Marcos inspected the areas after holding a situation briefing on Enteng’s effects with concerned government officials at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Quezon City.
He was also supposed to inspect the flood-stricken areas in Bulacan but it did not proceed due to bad weather.
“’Yung Bulacan, hindi na natin napuntahan (We were not able to go to Bulacan). At least, we’re able to look at Antipolo and Marikina. That’s as far as we can go,” Marcos said during the inspection.
He said overpopulation, blocked drainage systems, garbage problem and deforestation triggered the massive floods and landslides in many areas in Luzon.
He said his administration would use the large-scale development flood control program initiated by the Aquino government as a “base” to find the solutions with the “most immediate effect” to mitigate floods.
He said the impounding process of dams and river basins is seen as a solution to prevent floods especially in Metro Manila.
“Kapag ganyang highly populated na ito, hindi mo talaga ma-control ‘yung tubig. So ‘yung pinakamagandang solusyon ay maghuhukay tayo ng mga impounding dam at river dito sa mga river system (When it’s so highly populated, you can’t really control the water. So, the best solution is that we will dig impounding dams and rivers here in the river systems) that will serve many purposes,” Marcos said.
“That will be for flood control dahil ‘yun na nga, ‘yung tubig na dapat bababa sa city, hindi na bababa. Nandoon na, maiipon na doon sa mga impounding. Pangalawa, meron tayong tubig pag tag-araw pang-irrigation, pang-water supply (That will be for flood control because that’s it, the water that should go down in the city, won’t go down. It’s already there, it’s going to accumulate there in the impounding areas. Second, we have water in the summer for irrigation and water supply). So, that’s the general thinking,” he said.
With regard to deforestation, Marcos said the government needs to be “much stricter about it.”
He said the government must ensure that the laws on environmental protection are being implemented.
“Because now it’s not a question of illegal activities. It’s life and death already. Maraming namamatay dahil sa mga ginagawa nila (Many are dying because of what they are doing),” Marcos said.
“The laws are all there. It’s in the implementation and enforcement.”
Prayers for storm victims
The head of the Diocese of Antipolo offered prayers for those affected by widespread floods in Rizal province.
“Lord, we ask for your peace to surround those who are grieving. May they feel your presence and find solace in your love. Grant them the courage to face each day and the hope to carry on, even in the midst of their sorrow,” Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
At least eight of the 15 deaths from the recent calamity are from Rizal province, according to the Office of Civil Defense’s latest report.
The victims died mainly due to drowning and landslides.
“We pray for the safety and protection of all those affected by the floods. Provide them with shelter, food, and the support they need to rebuild their lives. Guide the hands of the rescuers and volunteers, giving them the strength and wisdom to help those in need,” Santos said.
The Caritas network of various dioceses in the country is also delivering aid to those affected by the recent calamity, especially those staying in evacuation centers.
Relief distribution
Meanwhile, some 230 families from Quezon City’s Barangays Payatas, Commonwealth, and Holy Spirit received relief boxes containing home essentials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
Earlier, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar ordered regional offices in areas affected to ensure they are ready for Enteng and facilitate emergency response. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/BongbongMarcos