VP Sara Duterte Speaks on Flood Problems in PH
SARA DUTERTE – The Vice President said she will use her position to show the officials of the government on “how to command” in fixing the flood issues in the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of the countries that is usually hit by typhoons. The recent storm that struck the country, Typhoon Carina, left several areas flooded. Thousands of families had to be evacuated as well amid the heavy rains and strong winds caused by the storm.
Typhoon Carina has damaged homes and livelihood. Several areas in the country were left in a State of Calamity and several entities including the Social Security System or SSS stepped in to offer Calamity Loans to assist their members in the recovery.
During the 3rd State of the Nation Address or SONA of President Bongbong Marcos, the Chief Executive talked about the flood projects of the government. However, the Department of Public Works and Highways, more popularly called DPWH, said that the immediate relief projects were standalone projects in low lying areas.
Senator Joel Villanueva is disappointed over PH not having an integrated flood control amid the country usually hit by typhoons. DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan said that there are flood control master plans that are being prepared but there is still a need for him to check the river basins.
Amid the unresolved flood issues in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed that she will use her position, platform, and resources “to be the voice to show our government officials how to command”. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the Vice President’s statement came amid her push for the administration to allot budget for the flood control infrastructure projects in the country.
The Vice President recalled that back then when she was the mayor of Davao City, there were two (2) incidents of deep flooding. According to her, one of these incidents led to the loss of 30 people due to flash floods. She stressed that the said memory pains her until now.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte emphasized that the administration of her father, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has started a flood control master plan in 2016. It was published in 2023 and the VP is urging the current administration to fund the project.
“Baka naman gusto nang pondohan ang mga infrastructure projects na naaayon sa masterplan? O baka naman may alinlangan pa hinggil dito dahil Duterte ang mayor at mas mamarapatin nilang gibain na lang?” the Vice President said.
Based on the report, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte expressed that the leaders should only say when “it is done”. She emphasized that the Filipino people deserve better and must be the best.