This handout photo taken on December 25, 2022 and received on December 26 from the Philippine Coast Guard shows rescuers evacuating people from a flooded area in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. (Photo by Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he had directed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to find a resettlement area for displaced Misamis Occidental families whose houses were destroyed by recent floods.
Marcos said that once a relocation area is identified, the government will send rebuilding materials so people can start constructing their new homes.
“Nag-coordinate na kami sa National Housing Authority. ‘Yung mga bahay na totally destroyed, hahanapan natin ng resettlement area para magkaroon ng tirahan,” he said in a speech at the distribution of aid in the municipality of Tudela.
(We have coordinated with the NHA to find a resettlement area for those whose houses are destroyed.)
The President also sought to improve flood-control structures, serving as the first line of defense against floods and overflowing rivers.
“Patuloy tayong maghuhukay sa mga ilog para gawing malalim, para hindi mabilis na – mabilis na lumabas ang tubig sa ilog at patuloy natin patitibayin ang mga flood control natin,” he said.
(We will continue to dredge rivers so that water will not overflow, and we will continue strengthening our flood control.)
“Ngunit, sa long-term kailangan nating isipin kung papaano natin gagawin para hindi na talaga maulit. Wala na tayong risk na ganito ang mangyari,” the President added.
(However, in the long term, we need to consider preventing such floods so that we won’t have risks like this again.)
The President then assured residents of Misamis Occidental that the government would continue assisting those in need by distributing relief goods, drinking water, clothing, and temporary shelters for the evacuees.
“Nandiyan ang DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), nandiyan po lahat ng ating ahensya na maaari ninyong lapitan nang makasiguro kami na lahat ng mga pangangailangan ninyo ay nabibigay,” he said.
(The DSWD is there, and all agencies are there that you can go to ensure your needs are met.)
Marcos visited flood-hit areas in Misamis Occidental, where he led the distribution of government assistance to residents.
He was joined by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, and Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr.
The PCO said more than 16,000 families were affected by the flood, citing local officials.
Local officials also said they could mitigate the damage and the number of casualties with the proper handling of the crisis.
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