MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday appealed to the public to be patient as the effects of the government's flood control programs will take a few years to be felt.
Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said the government's flood management master plan is already underway but its outcome won't happen overnight.
“The work, as we announced last year, will take a few years to complete and you will see the improvement, vast improvements, only in a few years. But the public can rest assured na patuloy ‘yung flood control program," Carandang said.
He also stressed that the flood control efforts are responsibilities of various agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Work and Highways, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
"They’re all doing their part and one of the components of that is the cleaning of the esteros. That’s happening already,†he said.
Carandang claimed that there has been some improvement already and that flooding might have been worse had it not been for these.
"Certainly, we would admit that it’s not finished yet and we still have a lot of work to do. So [you’ll] just have to bear with us while we’re implementing the plan,†he added.
The Palace official also urged citizens to do their part for flood mitigation.
“The government is doing its part. But we also need to be responsible as citizens. The litter that comes out, that people tend to throw, also contribute to the flooding. If we all do our part, I think we can get this done faster,†he said.
On Thursday, heavy rains flooded parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces and caused the suspension of afternoon classes.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration officially declared the start of rainy season last June 10.
Two more cyclones are expected to bring heavy rains this month, according to the agency.