Marcos: Open alternative routes, ensure speedy aid to Davao flood victims

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the opening of alternative routes to ensure faster assistance for those affected by floods and landslides in the Davao region. 

In a situation briefing in Davao City, Marcos said a thorough assessment is ongoing for the affected roads and bridges.

“‘Yun na muna ‘yung unahin natin…para makadaan ’yung mga responders natin,” Marcos said.

(Let's start with that so our responders can pass through.)

“The process is pagka mag-aassess yung public works kung ano ba talaga ‘yung damage then they will have to design the remedy kung ano ‘yung pwedeng gawin. Kung minsan, kung hindi na kaya, we’ll have to build another bridge. So, we still have to see which ones are in that condition,” he added. 

(After an assessment, they will design a possible remedy. There may be instances where we will need to build a new bridge.)

Marcos also tasked concerned offices to provide affected families with clean and safe drinking water in order to prevent illnesses. 

“It’s very important kasi kung hindi sapat ‘yun and if they start drinking from the questionable sources magkasakit pa, outbreak,” Marcos said.

(It's crucial to have enough clean water or they might start drinking water from questionable sources, which may result in an outbreak.)

“We have to provide water supply that is sufficient without bringing in bottled water. So our solution to that has always been to bring water purifiers, some kind of water purifier… you can’t do anything without clean water,'' he added. 

The Office of the President has released an additional fund from the Presidential Social Fund, worth P265 million, which will be distributed to areas including Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Agusan Del Sur, Davao City, Butuan City, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Cotabato, and Bukidnon. 

The number of fatalities due to floods and landslides in Davao Region stands at 21, according to provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices (PDRRMOs). —VAL, GMA Integrated News