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Gov’t vows support for farmers affected by southwest monsoon

22 July 2025


Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize farmers’ welfare during calamities, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will assist those affected by severe tropical storm “Crising” to help them recover and restore their livelihoods.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen assured the public that the agency is fully prepared to assist farmers whose crops and irrigation systems were damaged by the storm.

“Ang masasabi ko lang po dito sa ating mga bagong bayaning magsasaka ay nakahanda po lagi ang NIA na tumulong po sa inyo lalo na po kapag ganitong may mga calamities,” Guillen said.

“Yung bilin po ng ating Pangulo ay talagang tutukan po ang pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka. So, kami pong lahat ay nagtutulong-tulong para po mas maganda ang serbisyong darating po sa inyo,” he added.

Guillen said the NIA is in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide essential farming inputs, such as seeds and high-value crops, to the affected farmers.

Guillen expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the equipment that he turned over to them, which will help in the faster rehabilitation and declogging of irrigation canals.

“At ang ipinagpapasalamat po natin … is ‘yung mga equipment po na nai-turnover sa atin ng ating Pangulo ay malaking tulong para sa pagpapasaayos namin, mas mabilis, at pagde-declog natin sa ating mga irrigation canals,” he said.

On June 2, President Marcos led the turnover of more than 200 units of machinery for irrigation operations and maintenance nationwide. The equipment includes vehicles, backhoes, dump trucks, and excavators. | PND

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NIA uses AI forecasting to predict rainfall, minimize impact of dam water releases

22 July 2025


The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has been using artificial intelligence (AI) for weather forecasting to help predict rainfall levels and to minimize the impact of dam water releases on low-lying communities, an official of NIA said on Tuesday.

In a virtual press briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said the NIA is now following a protocol for releasing water from major dams, such as Angat and Ipo, noting that the agency advises the public at least two to three hours prior to releasing water.

“Mayroon kasing ginagamit ang NIA ngayon na itong ating advanced weather forecasting system na may AI technology. Two weeks nape-predict na po namin kung magre-release kami ng tubig o hindi dito sa ating malalaking dam dito sa Magat and Pantabangan,” Guillen said.

The NIA Administrator emphasized that releasing water from dams is necessary to maintain their structural integrity.

Guillen said that in releasing water, NIA follows a standard operating procedure that includes coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and issuing advisories through social media, its primary platform for informing residents in low-lying areas of an impending release.

Guillen noted that for major dams such as Pantabangan, Magat, and Jalaur, advisories on water releases are issued well in advance—typically four days to one week ahead.

“May radio station na po ang NIA under ng PBS, so mas maganda na po iyong ating warning forecast, warning system ngayon,” he added.

Guillen said that, despite the continuous downpour, the fact that high dams under NIA have not had to release water is encouraging.

Only Ipo dam, which supplies potable water to Metro Manila, has so far released water, he said. | PND

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Brace for more rains in coming days-PAGASA warns

22 July 2025


The state weather agency on Tuesday advised the public to take extra precautions and to prepare for continuous rains in the next two to three days due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and two low-pressure areas (LPAs) that may develop into tropical cyclones.

“Kaya’t patuloy pa rin po iyong paalala natin, bagama’t wala na tayong bagyo, nandiyan pa rin iyong pinag-ibayong Habagat at iyong dalawang low pressure posibleng maging bagyo na siyang magpapaibayo pa muli ng Habagat sa susunod na dalawa hanggang tatlong araw,” Engr. Christopher Perez said.

Perez is the chief of the Weather Forecasting Section of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

“Posible po tayong magpalabas ng update regarding the low-pressure kung magiging bagyo ito, it’s either ngayong hapon or mamayang gabi kaya antabayanan po nating lahat iyong update na iyan,” Perez said.

He said PAGASA expects cloudy skies and scattered monsoon rains over most parts of Luzon, particularly the western section, until Friday.

Perez said the two weather systems, which could potentially develop into tropical cyclones, have been intensifying the enhanced Habagat and causing continuous rainfall.

Orange rainfall warning has been raised in Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal. Those under yellow rainfall warning include Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Laguna.

“‘Pag may orange na rainfall warning po tayo, ibig sabihin na andiyan parin iyong mga pagbaha dahil nakikita naman po natin during the past few days talagang matinding pag-ulan,” Perez said.

The Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division also issued a warning about possible flooding in Occidental Mindoro. It also said rainfall will continue in Palawan, some parts of Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

In Northern Luzon, a high yellow rainfall warning was issued in Pangasinan. | PND

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MMDA urges public to practice proper waste disposal

22 July 2025


The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged the public on Tuesday to practice discipline in waste disposal, emphasizing that preventing floods is not the sole responsibility of the government, but a shared duty of all Filipinos.

“Kami po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kababayan sana po magkaroon tayo ng disiplina regarding sa pagtatapon ng basura. Sa aking palagay, ang pagbabaha po ay di lang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

In a virtual briefing, Artes said, “Dapat po magtulong-tulong tayo. Di po natin kaya na tayo lang. Kailangan po may partisipasyon ng bawat isa, lalong-lalo na po sa pagtatapon ng basura.”

Artes said that, upon orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the MMDA has been continuously working to prepare and implement solutions to problems, particularly those caused by typhoons and floods.

“Sa instructions po ng ating Pangulo, ang MMDA po ay nagprepara at patuloy na nagtratrabaho para po paghandaan at aksyunan ang mga problema na dulot ng pagbaha,” Artes said.

“Kami naman po ay naka-antabay sa kahit anong mangyari. Kami po ay nakikipagtulungan sa ating mahal na pamahalaan,” Artes said.

Artes also said that all 71 pumping stations are working and at full capacity, as flooding subsided quickly.

Artes said the drainage systems are outdated, having been in use for over 50 years and now considered undersized.

“Isa po sa reason kaya nagkakaroon ng baha ay ang mga basura,” said Artes. “Masasabi ko naman po na mabilis. Mas mabilis po sana ito kung wala ang mga bara sa lagusan ng tubig,” Artes said. | PND

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PBBM orders gov’t to intensify rescue and relief efforts

22 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to focus on rescue and relief operations and to use all available resources to ensure the safety of people affected by southwest monsoon, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

“Klaro ang gusto ng Pangulo. Ituon ang lahat ng kakayahan at available resources ng gobyerno upang tiyakin na ligtas at nasa maayos na kalagayan ang lahat ng apektado ng malawakang pag-ulan at pagbaha,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday.

President Marcos directed the immediate suspension of all activities related to the SONA following reports that some government workers were placing materials in public areas, even as many communities remain under threat from widespread flooding.

“Alam po nating lahat na ang utos ng Pangulo ay magtrabaho tayo para sa taong bayan. At iyan naman ang ginagawa ng mga kawanin ng gobyerno. Kapuri-puri po kayo,” Castro said during a press briefing at Malacañang.

“Pero hindi po ito napapanahon na unahin ito kaysa sa kaligtasan ninyo at kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan,” Castro said.

The President ordered that all government resources and efforts be redirected to support communities affected by flooding, particularly in delivering urgent assistance and ensuring public safety.

The directive came after the President received reports that some government workers were installing SONA materials instead of addressing the immediate needs of flood-stricken communities. | PND

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Palace: Gov’t work, classes suspended until Wednesday

22 July 2025


Malacañang on Tuesday announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila due to continuous heavy rainfall brought about the southwest monsoon.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 90, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered the suspension following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), citing the need to ensure public safety amid persistent rains and potential flooding.

Aside from Metro Manila, government work and classes at all levels were also suspended in several regions across Luzon and the Visayas.

In Region I, Ilocos Region, the affected provinces include Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

In Region II, Cagayan Valley, the suspension applies specifically to the province of Nueva Vizcaya. Meanwhile, in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the provinces of Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Benguet are also covered.

In Region III, Central Luzon, the suspension includes Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.

The entire Region IV-A, CALABARZON, is also covered, including the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Likewise, the suspension applies to the entire Region IV-B, MIMAROPA, covering Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

In Region V, Bicol Region, the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes are included.

In the Visayas, Region VI, Western Visayas is partially affected, with the suspension covering the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras.

Government agencies involved in delivering basic, vital, health, and disaster response services are mandated to remain fully operational to ensure the continuity of essential government functions. Non-critical personnel may adopt alternate work arrangements in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Local chief executives in other regions not listed in the memorandum may declare suspension of work or classes in their respective jurisdictions, depending on local conditions.

Meanwhile, work in private companies and offices will be at the discretion of their respective management.

The order takes immediate effect, as the government continues to monitor weather developments and coordinate necessary responses. | PND

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PBBM orders DOH to bolster health response in flood-hit areas

22 July 2025


The Department of Health (DOH) has prepositioned PhP31 million worth of emergency medicines and logistics as part of a comprehensive public health response to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos affected by widespread flooding.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the supplies are already being utilized by local government units (LGUs) in the affected regions, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Sa utos po ng ating Pangulo, mayroon na po tayong PhP31 na milyong pisong halaga ng mga emergency medicines and logistics na naka-preposition at malamang ginagamit na po sa mga local government units sa Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas at Northern Mindanao,” Domingo said.

The DOH has also prepared PhP180 million worth of standby emergency medical supplies, including antibiotics, fever and pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, and herbal remedies such as lagundi.

“Mayroon din pong mga hygiene kits, mga drinking water containers at mga chlorine tablets para huwag tayong uminom ng kontaminadong tubig at mayroon ding breastfeeding kits para sa ating mga nanay,” Domingo added.

DOH medical teams and LGU health workers are now rotating through evacuation centers to administer medicines, monitor conditions, and prevent potential disease outbreaks.

Domingo emphasized the importance of early prophylaxis for leptospirosis, particularly for individuals who had contact with floodwaters.

“Kahit wala pa ho tayong nararamdaman na sintomas basta ho dumaplis sa balat natin iyong tubig-baha … kumunsulta ho tayo kasi iyong gamot puwede naman hong ibigay nang libre sa ating mga government health center,” Domingo said.

The DOH advised the public to boil drinking water for at least two minutes, avoid contact with floodwaters, and wash thoroughly after exposure to floodwaters. Early signs of leptospirosis include fever, muscle aches, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has been visiting evacuation centers, starting in Marikina, to monitor health conditions.

“Ang karaniwang sakit po ngayon ay ang ubo at saka sipon dala na rin po nang pabagu-bago na panahon,” Domingo noted.

“Ang DOH ay nandito po para sa inyo,” Domingo said. | PND

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OCD: Gov’t working proactively to deliver aid to flood-affected areas

22 July 2025


The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) assured the public on Tuesday that the government is on red alert and fully prepared to assist families affected by southwest monsoon.

In a Palace briefing, OCD Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Secretary Rafaelito Alejandro IV said various government agencies are working proactively to ensure that aid reaches affected areas and residents as quickly as possible.

“We are ready po with all the agencies na miyembro ng NDRRMC na naka-red alert po,” Alejandro said.

“Ready po ang ating mga search and rescue teams, ang ating mga transportation, ‘yung ating mga relief goods from DSWD, medical teams from DOH, and of course, ‘yung ating mga strategic transport from the Armed Forces ay nakahanda po at ‘yun pong OCD ay naka-red alert kasama ang mga 44 other member agencies,” Alejandro added.

Alejandro said as of Tuesday morning, there are almost 500 operating evacuation centers, according to the latest update from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

An estimated 17,000 individuals are currently taking shelter inside these facilities, while another 65,000 are outside the evacuation centers.

Alejandro said the most affected areas include Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Negros Island Region, and Panay Island.

Alejandro also echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to the public to follow official instructions, especially when preemptive evacuation is necessary.

“Ito po ang panawagan namin, kung maaari po, kung talaga po ay makinig tayo. Sabi po ng ating Pangulo, sumunod po tayo sa mga babala, sa mga abiso na binibigay ng ating mga authorities kung may kailangan pong panawagan na mag-preemptive evacuation, sumunod po tayo,” he said.

“Nakahanda po ang gobyerno na magbigay ayuda o tulong. Nandiyan po ang ating DSWD, ang ating DOH, ang ating Armed forces na handang tumulong at magbigay suporta sa ating mga local government units,” Alejandro said. | PND

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Gov’t scales up flood response in Metro Manila

22 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the scaling up of government response to widespread flooding in Metro Manila, as continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon have affected hundreds of communities in the National Capital Region.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes emphasized that government agencies are working around the clock in line with the President’s directive.

“Alinsunod po sa kautusan ng ating Pangulo, tayo po ay nag-prepare at walang tigil sa pagtatrabaho para ma-ensure po na handa ang ahensiya na tumugon sa hamon na dala po nitong hangin at ulan, habagat,” MMDA Chairman Artes said.

Artes reported that, out of over 500 flooding incidents recorded across Metro Manila within the last 24 hours, the number had dropped to 273 as of 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. The MMDA has mobilized significant resources, including 500 personnel, six buses, two military trucks, two rubber boats, and four aluminum boats.

“Iba-iba po ang degree ng lalim ng tubig, mayroong gutter deep at mayroon din naman pong malalalim. So, mahigit dalawandaan naman na po iyong humupa o nawalan na ng tubig,” Artes said.

“As we speak, iyon pong aming search and rescue boats at military trucks ay papunta po ng Malabon para po tumulong sa paglilikas dahil nagkaroon na po sila ng preemptive evacuation sa mga oras na ito,” Artes said.

The MMDA is also coordinating with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to provide free rides to stranded commuters. On Monday, the DOTr dispatched buses and trucks to ferry commuters in key areas, such as Commonwealth and Fairview.

On the pumping station operations, Artes said that all 71 MMDA pumping stations are operating at full capacity, although their efficiency is affected by solid waste that blocks drainage systems.

In response, Artes said MMDA’s declogging teams were immediately dispatched to clean up roads like Araneta Avenue, where receding floodwaters left behind tons of garbage.

Artes urged the public to stop dumping waste into waterways, warning that clogged drainage systems directly worsen urban flooding.

“Sana po ay linisin po natin ang ating mga paligid at huwag po tayong magtapon ng basura sa mga daluyan po ng tubig,” Artes said.

The Marcos administration assures the public that all concerned agencies are working around-the-clock to mitigate the effects of monsoon flooding, especially in highly vulnerable areas in Metro Manila.

The public is advised to remain vigilant, heed local government warnings, and cooperate with ongoing cleanup and rescue operations. | PND