During which, he assessed the damage and the government’s response.
On Wednesday, September 2, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected flood-hit areas in the Central Luzon region, specifically in the province of Tarlac, Zambales, and Pampanga.
TARLAC
Marcos began his day-long inspection in Tarlac, where he conducted an aerial inspection of flood-affected areas with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.
He then proceeded to Tarlac City to inspect the damaged Aquino and Agana bridges in Barangay San Isidro.
Then, the Chief Executive announced PHP300 million assistance for the repair of the Agana Bridge—which had its several sections of the bridge were severely damaged by the strong current of the Tarlac River brought by heavy rains.
Marcos has since ordered concerned agencies to fast-track the restoration of connectivity in the area, with the bridge used daily by an estimated 13,400 people and vehicles.
A temporary Bailey bridge is also being installed to provide an immediate alternative route while permanent repairs are undertaken.
ZAMBALES
The President then proceeded to Zambales at around 11:00 am to inspect communities affected by flooding and check the government’s ongoing response.
He visited the remote and isolated Barangay Santa Fe in San Marcelino, Zambales, where he brought government relief and cash assistance to affected residents.
He also met with education officials and teaching personnel at Santa Fe High School before being briefed on the situation from national and local government officials.
While Santa Fe is accessible from the town proper after about an hour’s journey by with portions of the route requiring military trucks due to difficult terrain and damaged roads.
After the briefing, President Marcos inspected the Barangay Hall and multi-purpose center, which were submerged in about a meter of gravel during heavy flooding. The facilities are located beside the Sta. Fe River, part of the Sto. Tomas River basin.
President Marcos then crossed a newly constructed temporary wooden bridge leading to the residential portion of the community, where DSWD personnel and social workers distributed relief goods and cash assistance to about 1,000 families affected by the flooding.
Barangay officials said Santa Fe has a population of about 2,525 composed mainly of Ilocanos and Indigenous Peoples.
The President also greeted residents, shook hands and engaged in brief conversations, particularly with elderly residents and Indigenous children who had gathered to see him.
PAMPANGA
In the afternoon, President Marcos headed to Barangay Sta. Catalina Evacuation Center in Lubao, Pampanga, where a total of 150 families currently stay.
He interacted with residents who sought temporary shelter in the facility, where 58 families came from Lubao, 86 from Sasmuan, four from Minalin, and two from San Fernando. The evacuees arrived at the center last Friday, officials noted.
Local social welfare officials said each family received PHO10,000 cash assistance in addition to hygiene, sleeping, and kitchen kits. They also received family food packs and regular meals.
Marcos has likewise directed concerned agencies to repair the damaged embankment near the Sto. Cristo Dam in Lubao, Pampanga, to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
“Kaya’t ang gagawin natin ay itatayo natin ‘yang wall na ‘yan ulit at maglalagay naman tayo ng sabo dam sa upstream nitong ating dam,” President Marcos said. “For now, immediate na magagawa natin ay maglagay muna nung harang para kung ano man ‘yung – kung basura man, kung troso man, kung ano man ay hindi na bababa hanggang mabara ang dam.”
INFRASTRUCTURE
According to the President, it is also now necessary to install sabo dams upstream of all dams, given the massive volume of water that flows downstream and often carries debris and logs.
Marcos said that sabo dams constructed upstream would serve as barriers to slow the flow of water, helping prevent the rapid accumulation of debris and clogging at downstream dams.
He has since directed concerned agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected residents promptly and that damaged roads and other critical infrastructure are restored as quickly as possible.
