President Marcos Directs Agricultural Rehabilitation for Typhoon-Stricken Areas in Central Luzon

MALOLOS, BULACAN – In the wake of Super Typhoon Carina and the intensified southwest monsoon that devastated parts of Luzon on July 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered immediate agricultural rehabilitation for Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan. The President convened a meeting with local chief executives to discuss relief efforts and future rehabilitation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the primary focus initially will be on the agricultural sector, which has reported significant losses. Bulacan alone reported PHP103 million in damage to its agri-fisheries sector, while Pampanga and Bataan reported PHP378 million and PHP92.92 million, respectively. “In terms of the relief and rescue, I think we are alright. Now, we are talking about rehabilitation, the biggest – I think the three governors agree na ‘yong agri muna ang aayusin natin,” Marcos stated during a briefing. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with determining the priority areas for assistance, which could include the provision of equipment, seedlings, fingerlings, and brood sow to affected farmers.

Additionally, President Marcos emphasized the need for long-term flood mitigation measures. He advocated for the construction of more water-impounding systems in Central Luzon to manage the overwhelming floodwaters that have recurrently affected the region. “The volume of water that came down, all at once, was huge. Our slope protections, our flood control, our dikes couldn’t handle it, so we have to find another way to do it. That’s why I think impounding is the best solution,” Marcos explained after his aerial inspections.

The briefing was also attended by various cabinet members who confirmed that relief operations are in place, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reporting that more than 250,000 relief packs have been distributed or are ready for distribution. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the ongoing processing of 247,000 additional relief requests. Efforts to provide temporary employment through the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program were also discussed, with PHP62 million allocated for emergency employment in the affected regions.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured that the Department of Health is focused on the well-being of evacuees, deploying health workers and psychological first aid teams to support those displaced by the typhoon, especially the fisherfolk and farmers who have been severely impacted.