Marcos orders DPWH to fast-track repair of damaged infra in Misamis Occidental

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in Misamis Occidental following the flash floods there in December of last year.

In a situation briefing in Ozamiz City on Wednesday, Marcos said a study must be conducted on how to address the flooding in Misamis Occidental as he wants the DPWH to also determine the cause of flood in the province.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos suggested asking Japan for assistance, as the country, according to him, has vast experience and expertise in dealing with floods.

Local officials raised the idea of constructing an infrastructure that will divert the water running through a river to lessen the flooding in Clarin town.

Meanwhile, Marcos also tasked the National Housing Authority (NHA) to find a resettlement area for residents in Misamis Occidental whose homes were destroyed due to the floods.

"Nag-coordinate na kami sa National Housing Authority. ‘Yung mga bahay na totally destroyed, hahanapan natin ng resettlement area para magkaroon ng tirahan,” Marcos said.

“So ‘yan ang ating mga gagawin... sa darating na ilang linggo kaya’t asahan ho ninyo, kung mayroon kayong pangangailangan, nandito po si governor, nandito po si congressman, nandito po ang ating mga ahensya,” he added.

Palace said a total of 76 infrastructure, amounting to P132.14 million were damaged, including two bridges in Oroquieta City.

It added that a total of 5,594.75 hectares or P154.38 million worth of damage to agriculture has been recorded in Northern Mindanao.

Further, Marcos assured residents that the administration would continue providing aid to those in need, including relief goods, potable water, clothing, and temporary shelter for the evacuees.

“Nandiyan ang DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), nandiyan po lahat ng ating ahensya na maaari ninyong lapitan nang makasiguro kami na lahat ng mga pangangailangan ninyo ay nabibigay,” Marcos told residents during the distribution of various government assistance to the victims of heavy rains and flash floods.

Around P7.5 million worth of cash assistance were given to 1,500 beneficiaries, with each of them receiving P5,000 from the President and the DSWD.

The beneficiaries also received food and relief packages during the aid distribution. —KG, GMA Integrated News