President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to activate disaster preparedness measures ahead of expected rains and possible flooding, mobilizing TUPAD beneficiaries as part of a massive estero cleanup drive, Malacañang said Thursday, July 3.
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President directed immediate clearing of clogged waterways and the enhancement of local disaster response capabilities.
“Pinag-utos na po ng Pangulo na agaran ang paglilinis ng mga drainage dahil ito po ay makakatulong po na maiwasan ang mabilis na pagbaha, lalong-lalo na po dito sa Metro Manila,” she said.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already identified 23 priority esteros in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is using modern equipment to expedite cleanup efforts.
To support the initiative, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were mobilized, with TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) beneficiaries enlisted to help clean the waterways.
TUPAD is a short-term employment program of DOLE that provides emergency work for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers. Beneficiaries are typically hired for community projects such as cleanup, repair, or rehabilitation activities.
“Maaasahan po natin ‘yung mga TUPAD beneficiaries na tumulong sa paglilinis ng ating mga estero,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was tasked with ensuring that local government units (LGUs) reinforce their disaster preparedness protocols. These include activating emergency operations centers, checking evacuation facilities, reviewing contingency plans, and enforcing no-build zones in hazard-prone areas. (Argyll Geducos)
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