President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attributed the massive flooding that swamped Pampanga, Bulacan, and other Central Luzon provinces to a mix of long-neglected flood control infrastructure and what he called the unprecedented rainfall driven by climate change, even as his administration moved to fund a new wave of mitigation projects.

Speaking after a situation briefing with local officials in San Fernando City, Pampanga on 24 August, Marcos said the region’s flood control and management systems were overwhelmed by the weeks of heavy rain from the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, compounded by the successive tropical cyclones. He cited unfinished and, in some cases, nonexistent flood control structures, including a coastal dike the Department of Public Works and Highways said suffered from a faulty design, as a visible failure but cautioned against pinning the disaster solely on such lapses.

“We need to understand that this is not solely due to issues with the flood control projects, but also the torrential rain — levels unprecedented in Philippine history. This is a result of climate change,” Marcos told reporters.

To address the recurring flooding, Marcos announced plans for five Sabo River dams in Nueva Ecija to slow the water flow from the Sierra Madre and reduce siltation, along with a roughly 100-kilometer road-dike study extending toward Pilar, Bataan.

He also ordered the immediate repair of damaged flood control structures, stressing that rebuilt infrastructure must withstand future storms.

The proposed 2027 national budget backs these commitments. The DPWH is seeking P643.95 billion overall, with P107.4 billion earmarked for flood control — including P19.6 billion for ongoing foreign-assisted projects — after this year’s allocation was slashed to just P2.49 billion amid the flood control corruption scandal.

24 August

Water swallows up villages

President Marcos conducted an aerial inspection of flood-affected areas in Bulacan and Pampanga to assess the extent of the flooding caused by the recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.

From the air, the President saw communities heavily affected by floodwaters, with some houses almost completely submerged, leaving only their rooftops visible.

The government vowed to continue assisting families affected by the flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga.

Pampangueños’ cry heeded

In Bacolor, Pampanga, the President visited an evacuation center to check on the condition of flood-affected families and oversee the government’s continuing relief and assistance efforts.

At the Bacolor Integrated School evacuation center in Barangay Cabambangan he interacted with evacuees and observed the distribution of P10,000 in cash assistance to heads of affected families under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Update on affected areas

Marcos then proceeded to the Pampanga Capitol in San Fernando to attend a situation briefing with national government agencies and local government officials, where LGU executives presented the latest situation and the ongoing relief and flood control efforts.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that as of 24 August, 253 barangays in 16 local government units were flooded, affecting 314,945 families or 1,009,257 individuals.

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda appealed to the President to immediately approve the National Irrigation Administration-initiated projects to mitigate the perennial floodin, saying the water came from neighboring provinces, including Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Bulacan.

25 August

EVs the way forward

The President underscored the government’s push to develop locally manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) and strengthen the country’s domestic manufacturing industry during an inspection of MD Juan Enterprises Inc.’s facilities in Caloocan City.

The President inspected the company’s facilities and its readiness to manufacture electric tricycles and eventually electric jeepneys, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and other government agencies.

Marcos emphasized the focus on determining what equipment and technology MD Juan still needs to begin producing locally made electric vehicles.

He was briefed on MD Juan’s production automation and quality enhancement initiatives that are supported by DoST programs, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, as well as the company’s adoption of modern manufacturing technologies, automation, and robotics.

Premier hospital, PhilHealth link up

A memorandum of agreement between the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City to strengthen the implementation of the no co-payment policy for eligible PhilHealth members was signed with President Marcos as a witness.

The agreement is part of the administration’s effort to expand Filipinos’ access to quality, affordable healthcare by strengthening cooperation between the government and private hospitals.

Under the scheme, eligible PhilHealth members admitted to basic or ward accommodations in private hospitals do not have to pay additional charges for medical services covered by PhilHealth.

The policy was initially limited to indigent patients but was expanded under Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, to cover all Filipinos regardless of financial or employment status.

Landmark, champion feted

The President led in the reopening of the Coconut Palace, an iconic landmark showcasing Filipino ingenuity, artistry, and sustainable architecture, and one of the venues for the 49th ASEAN Leaders Summit in November.

Later, the President welcomed Filipino singer-songwriter Gwyn Dorado to Malacañang, recognizing her rising success and growing international presence in South Korea’s music and entertainment industry.

Dorado made history as the only foreign contestant to reach the Top 4 of South Korea’s “Sing Again 4,” where she finished as runner-up.

26 August

Passing on torch

The President administered the oath to the Officers of the National Movement of Young Legislators in Malacañang. The group, established in 1989 through the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs, comprises young elected local officials aged 40 and under.

27 August

Counting eggs right

President Marcos inspected the Batangas Egg Producers Multipurpose Cooperative (BEPCO) in San Jose, Batangas, to highlight government efforts to address the egg oversupply and increase farmers’ incomes through improved processing, storage, and market access.

Marcos cited BEPCO as an example of how government agencies can work together with farmers and cooperatives to reduce waste and add value to agricultural products.

He noted the DoST helped BEPCO develop technologies to process eggs and extend their shelf life, while the Department of Agriculture provided machinery and financial support.

These technologies allow BEPCO to process excess eggs into pasteurized, frozen, and powdered products that can be stored longer, helping farmers manage overproduction, especially when demand is low.

Honorary Doctor of Laws

The President was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, the highest honorary degree conferred by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) during the university’s 58th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Marcos received the honor with gratitude, mindful of the responsibility that came with it, saying the recognition affirmed a principle the administration shared with PLM: that education must be a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for progress, and a cornerstone of nation-building.

He noted that the theme of PLM’s commencement exercise was especially fitting: “Mga Makabagong Pantas Taglay ang Karunungan Tungo sa Kadakilaan at Kaunlaran,” as it captured the purpose of education, which is to transform knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into excellence, progress, and service.

Tour of duty ends

Back in Malacañang, the President honored Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya who made a farewell call. He thanked the envoy for his contributions to strengthening the Philippines’ relationship with Japan.

He also conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross with Distinction, on Kazuya in recognition of his steadfast efforts in strengthening Philippine-Japan relations.

Endo was cited for promoting bilateral exchanges and deepening the cooperation between the Philippines and Japan across various fields, including defense, security, and development cooperation

28 August

The President capped the week with several closed-door engagements in Malacañang.