MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced Thursday that certain areas across the country remain unreachable due to high floodwaters, as heavy rains continue to lash parts of Luzon.
Speaking to the press, the President assured the public that government assistance—such as medical aid and relief goods—is being prepared and deployed to the affected communities despite challenging weather conditions.
“Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the weather,” Marcos said. “May mga lugar na hindi pa natin mapasok, pero naghihintay tayo na bumaba ang tubig. Gumagawa tayo ng paraan, kahit may baha—may rubber boats, nagpapadala tayo ng doktor, gamot, relief goods, o kaya para i-evacuate ang mga tao.”
He did not name the specific areas that remain inaccessible but emphasized that relief operations are ongoing and will continue despite logistical challenges.
The recent widespread flooding is being driven by the combined effects of Tropical Storms Dante and Emong, along with the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. According to weather forecasts, certain provinces—including Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Benguet—are expected to receive over 200 millimeters of rain through Friday. The same volume of rainfall is also anticipated in Bataan and Occidental Mindoro, brought on by the intensified Habagat.
As Typhoon Emong approaches Pangasinan, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 remains in effect in parts of Luzon, prompting precautionary evacuations and the suspension of classes in several areas.
Looking ahead, President Marcos stressed the importance of long-term climate adaptation. While relief and mitigation efforts remain critical in the short term, he said communities must begin to prepare for recurring natural disasters as climate change continues to intensify.
“This will happen this year, it will happen next year, and the year after that,” he said. “We need to start thinking about adaptation—what do we need to do when this happens again, because it will.”
He also emphasized the need for semi-permanent solutions in flood-prone areas, recognizing that temporary responses are no longer enough in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather disturbances.
Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering aid and ensuring the welfare of residents displaced by the storms and flooding.
