Marcos Jr. wants speedy completion of Davao flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has vowed to address flooding in Southern Mindanao as well as help farmers and fisherfolk improve their outputs.

Marcos yesterday directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track flood control projects in Davao region, where he distributed nearly P60 million in aid to sectors hit by the El Niño phenomenon.?

Speaking to residents inTagum City, Marcos said the government flood control projects would perform other functions to address the needs of the residents such as storing water for irrigation and providing solar power.?

“I have given a directive to the DPWH... to fast-track the completion of the remaining flood control projects here. Because we are experiencing drought, our flood control project will have a different design,” Marcos said.?

“We will work to ensure that no Filipino is submerged in flood and poverty as soon as possible,” he added.?Marcos provided a total of P59.52 million in financial assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk in Davao region in separate events held in Tagum and Digos.

During the event in Tagum, Marcos provided P10 million each to the provincial government of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. In Digos, he gave P19.52 million to Davao del Sur and P10 million to Davao Occidental.?

The President assured residents of continued assistance and vowed to continue projects that would spur development.?

“We decided to come here to inform you that we will not abandon you. The government is here to provide assistance especially in times of need,” he said.?There has been no declaration of state of calamity in Davao region since the start of El Niño.

The calamity has so far affected 1,391 families or 4,173 people in 16 barangays.

Up to P49.58 million losses in agriculture have been reported, with 1,344 farmers and fisherfolk displaced by the phenomenon.

Aside from flood control projects, Marcos directed the DPWH to complete other pending infrastructure projects in the region, including the Mawab-Maragusan-Caraga and Carmen-Tagum City Coastal roads, and the Mindanao Railway Project from Tagum to Digos.

Marcos was accompanied by members of the Cabinet including Secretaries Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Benhur Abalos and Rex Gatchalian of the departments of agricuture, interior and local government, and social welfare and development, respectively; Leo Tereso Magno, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr.