Marcos tells officials to enforce no-build zones as floods intensify

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO/Facebook

PHILIPPINES – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies and local officials to strengthen disaster preparedness and strictly enforce existing laws, including no-build zones, as intense southwest monsoon rains continue to trigger flooding in several parts of the country.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos issued the directive during a meeting with Cabinet officials on the flooding in Central Luzon and the health response in Metro Manila.

Marcos stressed that climate change must now be factored into government planning, noting that increasingly intense rainfall and severe flooding are being experienced not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

He also called for stricter enforcement of restrictions on construction in flood-prone areas, pointing to old master plans for Metro Manila and Cebu that were not fully implemented.

According to Castro, Marcos said some areas that are now occupied by infrastructure could have remained open spaces capable of absorbing excess rainwater had the plans been followed.

The President also directed local government units to maintain waterways, enforce no-build zones, ensure regular garbage collection and coordinate with national agencies on disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, government agencies continue to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding in Central Luzon. More than PHP618.3 million in humanitarian assistance has been delivered to Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan, while assistance across Central Luzon has surpassed PHP874.8 million.

The Department of Agriculture is also providing affected farmers and fisherfolk with agricultural assistance, crop insurance and financial aid, including loans under the AgriRecover program.

Health authorities, meanwhile, assured that medicines remain available as hospitals continue treating patients and monitoring possible health risks linked to flooding.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is also repairing damaged roads, bridges, dikes and other flood-control infrastructure, while the Department of Budget and Management said funding remains available through the Quick Response Fund.

Marcos emphasized that disaster preparedness must extend beyond emergency response as climate-related hazards are expected to become more severe.

With flooding becoming a recurring threat, the President is calling for stricter enforcement, stronger preparation and long-term planning before the next downpour turns into another disaster.