Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasizes the need for the government to implement a successful flood control program that would protect communities from the negative effects of climate change.
“Due to the adverse impact of climate change on our communities, the government needs to provide adequate flood control structures that would provide vulnerable areas with ample protection from the devastating impact of floods,” says Gatchalian, who visited Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan today to assess the damage caused by the most recent typhoons and to distribute P8.5 million worth of rice to typhoon victims in affected areas in Luzon.
In the aftermath of typhoons Egay and Falcon, a number of towns and municipalities in Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan have been put under a state of calamity.
Specifically, P5.2 million worth of rice is distributed in Malolos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Balagtas, Paombong, Obando, San Miguel, Guiguinto, Pandi, and Plaridel in Bulacan where the senator is joined by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando. In Pangasinan, P1.25 million worth of rice is distributed where Gatchalian is joined by Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay, Mangatarem Mayor Ramil Ventenilla, and Sta. Barbara Mayor Carlito Zaplam. Also, Gatchalian is distributing P1 million worth of rice each for Bataan and Pampanga to be received by Bataan Governor Joet Garcia and Pampanga Governor Delta Pineda. The assistance is provided by the local government of Valenzuela.
“Ang pagsasaayos ng flood control ay napakahalagang hakbang lalo na sa bansang tulad natin na madalas tamaan ng bagyo at madalas bahain. Dahil sa epekto ng climate change, magiging balakid ang ganitong mga pagbaha sa pag-unlad ng bansa kung hindi ito agarang masosolusyunan,” he emphasizes.
Gatchalian’s call coincides with the President’s pronouncement that the national government has a master plan to swiftly address climate change, including the construction of a big water dam for flood prevention and agricultural enhancement.