Marcos Administration Intensifies Flood Response, Advances Key Government Programs

Manila, The Gulf Observer: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent the week of August 17–21, 2026, directing government agencies to respond to the needs of communities affected by heavy rains and flooding while advancing key programs in education, social assistance, public health, food security, infrastructure, environmental protection, national security and good governance.

On August 17, President Marcos traveled to Negros Oriental and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing assistance to affected communities through the administration’s “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, supported by the Local Government Support Fund.

The government also intensified efforts to counter misinformation during the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, urging the public to report false information and any irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries under the Presidential Scholarship Program.

President Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1395, declaring September 14, 2026, a special non-working day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to facilitate public participation in the region’s first regular parliamentary elections.

The government additionally allocated P9.753 billion to the Commission on Higher Education under the Free Higher Education Program, benefiting 108 state universities and colleges nationwide. Alternative work arrangements were also ordered for government offices amid severe weather conditions and rainfall warnings.

On August 18, President Marcos directed government agencies to adopt a more coordinated approach to flood control and strengthen measures to address recurring flooding.

The Philippine Coast Guard continued rescue and monitoring operations, while the Department of Transportation deployed buses along EDSA to provide free transportation to affected commuters. The Department of Social Welfare and Development assured the public of adequate food supplies and intensified monitoring of relief distribution. The government also extended P717.4 million in assistance to families affected by weather disturbances.

The National Irrigation Administration reported that heavy rainfall had replenished dams and helped meet irrigation requirements.

President Marcos also expressed condolences to the families of victims of the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University and ordered law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation while strengthening security measures in educational institutions.

In a separate development, the Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation seized an estimated P3 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes as part of the administration’s campaign against illicit trade.

The President likewise directed the Department of Agriculture to establish cold-storage facilities in the Cordillera Administrative Region to reduce crop and vegetable losses, particularly during the rainy season. The department is also preparing to establish a vegetable-processing facility under its 2027 budget while expanding the Kadiwa Network and helping farmers transport produce to markets in Pampanga, Manila and Cavite.

On August 19, President Marcos continued to direct government agencies to address the effects of flooding and heavy rainfall.

The Department of Budget and Management released an additional P1.855 billion for the Philippine General Hospital, including funding support for the Zero Balance Billing program.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources intensified the clearing of rivers and esteros, while President Marcos ordered round-the-clock monitoring of two major dams. He also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Quezon City Government to accelerate flood-control measures.

The Department of Health monitored the potential increase in leptospirosis cases and assured the public that adequate medicines were available in affected areas.

The Palace also said funds were available to strengthen school security and was awaiting the Department of Education’s proposal concerning the resumption of in-person classes.

President Marcos designated Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay as Vice Chairperson for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit. He also directed government agencies to support the 2026 Philippine Creative Industries Month.

On August 20, President Marcos inspected the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City, the largest pumping station operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

He announced plans to install or upgrade 13 pumping stations across Metro Manila and ordered a study into the use of rainwater cisterns as an additional flood-control measure.

The President also said the government was developing waste-to-energy initiatives that could be implemented by 2027 to address the country’s waste-management and flooding challenges.

The Palace reaffirmed that investigations into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects remain ongoing. It also reminded companies to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 and assured the public that funds were available for the planned construction of evacuation centers.

In his Ninoy Aquino Day message, President Marcos called on Filipinos to respect the rights of others, safeguard freedom, strengthen institutions and work collectively toward national progress.

On August 21, the government continued responding to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon while maintaining programs focused on public safety, healthcare, food assistance, infrastructure and government services.

Throughout the week, the Marcos administration combined immediate disaster-response measures with longer-term initiatives aimed at protecting communities, improving flood-control infrastructure, strengthening health and education services, addressing environmental and waste-management concerns, supporting farmers and food security, and promoting accountability in the use of public resources.