PBBM orders faster aid as floods affect over 8 million Filipinos

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 31, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communication Office

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to accelerate assistance to communities affected by widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the President continued monitoring affected areas and directed agencies to protect residents and ensure the prompt delivery of aid.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government also instructed local government units to conduct preemptive or forced evacuations in communities at risk of flooding, landslides and lahar flows.

Local authorities were told to prioritize children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities during evacuations.

In areas moderately susceptible to flooding, officials must closely monitor water levels and begin preemptive evacuations when floodwaters are approaching 0.5 meters, particularly in communities near riverbanks.

Immediate evacuations were also recommended in highly flood- and landslide-prone areas. Residents should not be allowed to return until authorities determine that their communities are safe.

Thousands of Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel have been deployed to assist in flood-hit communities and evacuation centers.

More than 8.1 million people from about 2.3 million families across 10 regions were affected by the enhanced Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The weather disturbances left 32 people dead, 19 injured and three missing. About 25,800 people sought shelter in evacuation centers.

Damage to infrastructure was estimated at ₱6.11 billion, while agricultural losses reached ₱2.32 billion. Government assistance provided to affected communities stood at ₱1.65 billion.