From floodwaters to future plans, Marcos pushes government agenda on all fronts

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 22, 2026

Photo Courtesy: MMDA

PHILIPPINES – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kept his administration’s action-oriented agenda moving this week, placing flood control and disaster response alongside efforts to bring aid to communities, strengthen infrastructure and attract investments.

Flooding took center stage as Marcos convened a situation briefing at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s command center and inspected the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City.

The President acknowledged that more work remains to be done, directing agencies to strengthen short-, medium- and long-term measures to address flooding, particularly in low-lying communities. The government is also identifying at least 39 sites across Metro Manila that could be used for floodwater storage and retention.

Beyond infrastructure, the administration continued providing assistance to communities affected by severe weather, with government aid reaching around P800 million.

Marcos also brought his agenda beyond Metro Manila, traveling to Negros Oriental to distribute rice assistance to about 2,230 beneficiaries under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program and meet with farmers and local cooperatives.

His week also included engagements with local government leaders, infrastructure stakeholders, technology initiatives and the private sector, including the US-ASEAN Business Council Philippine Business Mission.

Taken together, the President’s activities reflected an effort to tackle immediate crises while pursuing longer-term goals in infrastructure, agriculture, technology and investment.

From clearing floodwaters to building new industries, the administration is attempting to show that disaster response and national development must move on parallel tracks.