SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday rallied concerned government agencies to ramp up concerted efforts to prepare for the expected flooding with the onset of La Nina to prevent the loss of lives of our people and mitigate damage to properties.

In a meeting with top officials of various government agencies, Speaker Romualdez assured them of the full support of the House of Representatives for their La Nina preparation initiatives and programs, particularly in terms of funding, to ensure these are properly implemented.

Speaker Romualdez called for the meeting following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to undertake preventive measures to safeguard our communities and ensure the safety of our people from the threat of floods,”

“We are here with you, tell us what you need to ensure we are sufficiently prepared for La Nina. We are here to support you,” Romualdez told the officials during the meeting.

Speaker Romualdez said the meeting reflects the government’s collective commitment to mitigate the adverse effects of La Niña and ensure our people’s safety and well-being.

“We pledged all-out support of the House to all the concerned departments and agencies to ensure anti-flood initiatives, including dredging activities, are properly implemented promptly,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Present in the meeting were Dept. of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Department of Science and Technology Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr., Dept. of Environment Sec. Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga, and Metro Manila Development Authority Gen. Manager Procopio Lipana. Also present were Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Lord Villanueva.

Speaker Romualdez stressed the critical importance of working together in preparing for the onset of La Nina, citing the warning of Sec. Solidum that we would have less time to prepare for typhoons as warm waters caused by the El Nino phenomenon is now nearer the Philippines.

“We urge all stakeholders, including national and local government agencies, the private sector, and our communities, to actively participate in these initiatives,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, particularly in observing proper garbage disposal to ensure these would not clog waterways and cause severe flooding.

“Dapat naman po sumunod tayo sa mga protocols dito sa paglilinis at pagtatapon ng basura dahil napaka importante po na maayos ang ating mga areas kung saan tayo nakatira para maganda ang daloy ng tubig pag malakas ang ulan,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He also urged local officials to do their part in enforcing anti-flood measures, including proper garbage disposal rules.

Speaker Romualdez stressed that the economic impact of flooding can be profound, affecting everything from small businesses to national supply chains, resulting in lost productivity, property damage, and significant recovery costs.

“Together, we can build a more resilient Philippines capable of withstanding the challenges posed by natural calamities,” Speaker Romualdez said.