PBBM: Gov’t integrating programs to address climate change

FILE: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. oversaw on Monday the distribution of various government assistance to Pampanga residents affected by the recent calamity, assuring them of continuous government support. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said the government is currently working on climate change mitigation strategies to address the decades-long flooding problem.

In an interview on the sidelines of the distribution of aid in Bulacan on Monday, Marcos said several strategies were already in place to address the effects of climate change.

One of these measures is the construction of water impounding stations to control floodwaters from going downstream, Marcos added.

This proposal was also raised by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando during the situation briefing in Malolos City.

“Mabuti naman at mukha namang nagkakaunawaan both at the local level at saka sa national level tungkol sa maaring gawin na proyekto para hindi na sana maulit ito, kung matapos natin ‘yung mga proposal na ganun. (It’s good that there seems to be understanding both at the local level and then at the national level about the project that can be done so that it doesn’t happen again, if we finish the proposal like that),” Marcos said, referring to the proposed construction of an impounding system in Candaba, Pampanga.

Marcos cited the need to implement some strategies and to understand how to address the problem to avoid massive flooding similar to Pampanga and Bulacan.

“Epekto ng climate change. Talagang kailangan natin pag-aralan at maunawaan kung ano ‘yung maaari natin gawin, dahil mahirap labanan ‘yung weather (That’s the impact of climate change. We really need to study and understand what we can do, because it is difficult to fight the weather.) Kailangan mag-adjust tayong lahat and we have to do many things (We need to adjust and we have to do many things),” Marcos said.

The President personally handed over financial and food assistance to flood victims in Pampanga and Bulacan.