Sara Duterte calls for ‘effective’ flood control infrastructure, disaster response

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday emphasized the need for effective flood control infrastructure and disaster management response in communities, following the flooding incident in Bulacan due to the release of water from Angat and Ipo dams.

In her speech during the Minasa Festival 2023, Duterte expressed sympathies to hundreds of families in Bulacan, particularly in Norzagaray, who had to evacuate over the weekend when their areas were flooded after Angat Dam and Ipo Dam released water due to continuous rains.

With this, she stressed how people could alleviate their fears and avoid tragedies by preparing ahead and following the instructions of authorities in times of crisis.

“Allow me to reiterate the urgent need for effective flood control infrastructures and disaster management response in reinforcing our communities’ capacity to prevent the occurrence of calamities,” Duterte said.

“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi pa man dumadating ang bagyo ay nakakaranas na tayo ng baha. Importanteng alam ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya at komunidad kung ano ang gagawin kapag merong emergency. Kapag sinabi ng ating lokal na gobyerno na kailangan lumikas, sundin natin ang mga payo ng awtoridad bago pa man dumating ang sakuna o trahedya,” she continued.

(Nowadays, we already experience floods even before the typhoon arrives. It is important that every member of the family and community knows what to do in an emergency. When our local government tells us to evacuate, let's follow their advice before disaster or tragedy happens.)

Duterte also said that the resiliency of local communities depend on strengthening existing risk reduction mechanisms, disaster preparedness strategies, and emergency interventions.

PAGASA said Sunday morning that all gates of Angat Dam and Ipo Dam were already closed after the release of water on Saturday.

As of 6 a.m. on Monday, Angat Dam had a reservoir water level (RWL) of 214.23 meters, slightly above the 214.04 meters on Sunday. It has a 212-meter spilling level or normal high water level.

Meanwhile, Ipo Dam had a 100.64-meter RWL, down from the previous 101.21 meters. It has a 101-meter normal high water level.

Duterte said that the OVP Disaster Operations Center will provide assistance to victims of the flooding in Bulacan, through the local government of Bustos.

“Let me express my sympathies to our kababayans who were badly affected by this unfortunate situation. Rest assured that the government is working to provide necessary relief to you and your families as you go through the crisis.” she added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News