Speaker Romualdez rallies concerned agencies to ramp up La Niña preparations, vows full support of the House for initiatives to mitigate threats of flood

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has rallied concerned government agencies to ramp up concerted efforts to prepare for the expected flooding with the onset of La Niña to prevent the loss of lives and to mitigate the 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 Niña 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 communities and ensure the safety of the people from the threat of floods.

“We are here with you, tell us what you need to ensure we are sufficiently prepared for La Niña. 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 the 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 Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Procopio Lipana. Also present were Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Lord Villanueva.

Speaker Romualdez stressed the critical importance of working together in preparing for the onset of La Niña, citing the warning of Solidum that there would be less time to prepare for typhoons as warm waters caused by the El Niño phenomenon are 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 napakaimportante 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.