PBBM open to proposals to end perennial flooding

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed enthusiasm over the private sector’s interest in addressing one of the nation’s most perennial problems – flooding.

In a press conference at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang Palace, Marcos thanked tycoon and San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon S. Ang for his offer to help solve the country’s flood problem.

“Thank you. What else? What else can you say? This is the reason why from the very beginning, I always said, the private sector needs to be part of everything – of our national development,” he said.

Marcos emphasized the accomplishments of government projects undertaken by San Miguel Corporation.

“We've seen his projects. The results are good,” he said. “He's able to bring it in on time. And, you know, the man is an engineer. So, I'm sure he studied this very well.”

Marcos said he had spoken to Ang before on this matter and sought his help in directing local government units to address the garbage problem, which blocks waterways and canals.

“There is still another side to his proposal. And the other side of his proposal, ‘I will fix the flooding problem, I will desilt the areas here in Metro Manila anyway, but the mayors, the LGUs, have to take care of the garbage problem,’” he said.

“It simply doesn't work until we have a solution to the garbage problem. We have a proposal for waste-to-energy solution in Manila – City of Manila. So, baka naman… So, that – I think that will go on but that's only for Manila,” he added.

The President said he will also look into other urban areas to see if similar interventions may be implemented.

Meanwhile, Marcos agreed with Senator Panfilo Lacson’s suggestion to tap into the wealthy of the country to help solve flooding but said he will not require them to contribute.

“You know, you don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If they are willing to help, they would help. And this is not anything new. The so-called taipans of the country, when we want to do something, they really offer. That's why they help a lot,” he said.