STRAIGHT talk In a rare occasion, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addresses head-on critical issues on press freedom, government accountability in infrastructure, regional security and plans to endorse a successor for the 2028 elections during the Presidential Luncheon of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at a hotel in Manila on 14 August.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of PPA Pool
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kept his administration’s action-oriented agenda moving last week, placing flood control and disaster resilience at the forefront as the government responded to the intensified rains and flooding, while pressing ahead with infrastructure, community support, investment, and governance reforms.
Flooding took center stage as Marcos led a situation briefing on Wednesday, 19 August, at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Pasig City, followed the next day by an inspection of the Tripa de Gallina pumping station in Pasay City.
At the situation briefing, Marcos cited improvements in several flood-prone areas, saying that upgraded drainage systems, pumping stations, and dredging helped lower flood levels and speed up the recession of floodwaters despite the unusually heavy rainfall.
The government is looking beyond conventional flood control structures. Malacañang identified 39 possible sites across Metro Manila for large rainwater detention or storage facilities that could temporarily hold excess water during intense rainfall and reduce the pressure on drainage systems.
Marcos also pushed for underground water storage as a longer term measure, reflecting the administration’s recognition that pumping alone will not be enough as rainfall volumes increase because of climate change.
At Tripa de Gallina, Marcos said 13 additional pumping stations in and around Metro Manila are expected to be completed by the end of this year or early 2027.
The week also highlighted Marcos’s continuing emphasis on infrastructure quality and accountability, particularly amid the government’s investigation into anomalous public works projects.
Beyond disaster response, the administration continued to push its broader economic and development agenda. Marcos cited more than P6 trillion in investments facilitated through the government’s Green Lane over the past three years, with these projects projected to generate more than 400,000 jobs.
The week’s activities reflected an administration trying to balance immediate crisis management with longer term development by responding to floods and delivering assistance today while building drainage, transport, energy and other infrastructure intended to make communities more resilient and the economy more competitive.
17 August
Assistance to countryside
The President’s week was not confined to flood control, as he traveled to Negros Oriental on Monday to lead the rollout of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program.
At the launch, Marcos led the distribution of 10-kilo rice allocations to about 2,230 beneficiaries in Dumaguete City. The initiative provides direct assistance to qualified beneficiaries, including vulnerable sectors and low and middle-income families.
Marcos also visited the Baslay Highland Agriculture Cooperative, highlighting the administration’s support for farmers and community-based economic activities.
18 August
Probe AdZU shooting
The President on Tuesday ordered law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) that left two people dead.
Marcos expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the AdZU community.
“We grieve with the families and the Ateneo de Zamboanga community over a tragedy that should never have happened,” he said, as he directed the authorities to strengthen measures to keep schools safe.
The President said schools should be among the safest places, noting that Filipino children are entrusted to their care.
19 August
Intensified flood response
The President presided over a situation briefing at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Communications and Command Center in Pasig City to assess the condition of affected areas, the government’s response, and measures being taken to mitigate the effects of flooding.
He acknowledged that “a lot of work (still) needs to be done,” as his administration pursues short, medium and long-term actions to address flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
He also directed government agencies to respond swiftly to affected communities.
Addressing problem’s root
Marcos also inspected the Tripa de Gallina pumping station in Pasay City, highlighting the administration’s push to improve the country’s flood control network, especially in Metro Manila.
The government has pursued various measures to improve flood management, including monitoring flood control projects and identifying at least 39 sites across Metro Manila for possible floodwater storage and retention projects.
Aid for affected communities
While strengthening flood defenses, the Marcos administration continued to mobilize assistance to communities affected by the flooding and severe weather.
Government assistance reached P800 million as Marcos convened the Cabinet to discuss flood control measures and the continuing response to affected communities.
For the President, disaster response is not only about strengthening flood control infrastructure but also about protecting livelihoods, businesses, public services, and communities.
20 August
Strengthening local partnerships
Marcos’ activities also showed that the administration’s development agenda extends beyond immediate relief and social assistance.
On Thursday, Marcos led the oath-taking of the newly elected national, regional, and provincial officers of the Philippine Councilors League at Malacañang.
The event emphasized the role of local government units as partners of the national government in implementing programs and responding to emergencies.
21 August
Looking beyond immediate needs
The President received a briefing on Siklab: Building Industrial Space Launch System, signaling the government’s continuing interest in developing new areas of industrial and technological capability.
The initiative reflects a broader economic agenda that looks beyond immediate concerns by exploring opportunities in emerging industries that can generate investments, jobs and technological innovation.
Such efforts broaden the week’s narrative beyond flood control and disaster response.
Engaging the private sector
Marcos received the US-Asean Business Council Philippine Business Mission at Malacañang, providing another avenue to engage the private sector and international business community.
He also met with the Private Sector Advisory Council on Infrastructure as the government aims to address existing infrastructure gaps and prepare communities for increasingly disruptive weather events.
