President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. assured the public that the government’s flood control projects will continue despite controversies, stressing that funds are still available for implementation.
“Hindi ibig sabihin na matitigil ang flood control project dahil sa aming pag-aaral mayroon pang natitira doon sa flood control project sa 2025 ay 300 plus billions hindi pa nauubos ‘yun so tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang project,” Marcos said during his visit to Gonzaga, Cagayan.
He emphasized that proposals and implementation will be closely monitored to ensure the projects match local needs and remain free from corruption. He also ordered the restoration of the acceptance process by local governments for completed national projects.
“Napaka-importante na may clearance ka sa barangay chairman, may clearance ka sa mayor, may clearance ka sa probinsya dahil ‘yun ang paraan namin sa LGU na maganda ang pagkagawa at tama at hindi nagmahal ang mga projects,” the President added.
Marcos also announced that the P255.5 billion saved from canceled 2026 flood control projects will be reallocated to key social and development programs, including:
- P36 billion for DSWD’s AICS and SLP programs
- Over P26 billion for the Department of Education
- P29 billion for the Department of Health to build hospitals
- P46 billion for the Department of Agriculture
- P5 billion for the National Irrigation Administration
- Funds for DOLE’s TUPAD program
- Allocations for DICT, DOE’s electrification program, anti-agricultural smuggling, waste-to-energy, and DOTR’s transport system improvements
“Titiyakin natin na hindi na mauulit ang ating nakita, titiyakin natin na ang bawat sentimo ng pera ninyo, kami ay costudian lang sa pera ninyo, kami ay may responsibilidad na tiyakin na ang bawat sentimo ay mapunta sa maganda para sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said.
The announcement came as Marcos led relief efforts for more than 2,500 families in Cagayan affected by Super Typhoon Nando. Each family received ₱10,000 cash aid and food packs, while farmers were provided with cash assistance and fertilizer.
Earlier, the President also visited the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, where he met with officials led by Dr. Jose Orosa III to check the implementation of health services, particularly the zero-balance billing program.
