Manila: The government is ramping up efforts to mitigate the effects of flooding and other rainy season threats, Malaca±ang said Wednesday, citing continuous infrastructure works and agency coordination to ensure preparedness. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to construct flood control projects across the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan has ensured that construction on flood control projects has begun. This initiative has been a long-standing directive from the President. Among the completed projects is the 2,339.73-square-meter concrete slope protection along the Bagac-Mariveles Road in the province of Bataan.

Bonoan also mentioned the development of a masterplan for each of the 18 major river basins in the country. Although flooding may not be reduced by 100 percent immediately, the DPWH is committed to continuing its work to alleviate the issue.

The Philippines, a disaster-prone country with nearly 20 typhoons annually, faces regular threats from flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. Castro also noted that the Department of Science and Technology has launched a centralized alert system for the public to access critical weather advisories.

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has expressed readiness to ensure food security with a stable supply of rice. The Department of Social Welfare and Development is prepared to implement feeding programs, while the Department of Health is ready to respond to seasonal illnesses, such as dengue and leptospirosis.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, the country's weather bureau, has officially declared the onset of the rainy season on June 2.