Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the realignment of over PHP192 billion originally intended for flood control projects to fund the distribution of emergency aid to areas affected by recent typhoons and future calamities. During the distribution of assistance to farmers and families in San Fernando, La Union, Marcos highlighted the need to shift priorities to address the urgent needs of displaced and vulnerable Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funds originally allotted for flood mitigation projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will now be used to enhance emergency relief operations in disaster-hit areas. Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring the proper use of public funds by redirecting these resources to more urgent aid programs.
During his speech at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco Ortega Convention Center, Marcos revealed that savings were generated by halting projects that did not address flood problems effectively. Some projects were identified as ghost projects or poorly executed, prompting the government to stop them to ensure appropriate use of public funds.
Marcos warned of an impending typhoon and stressed the importance of proactive government action. He explained that the savings from halted projects would be used for various forms of assistance to the people, amounting to over PHP195 billion.
In addition to discussing budget reallocations, Marcos led the distribution of fuel assistance cards, valued at PHP3,000 each, to 275 farmer-recipients. This initiative, under the Department of Agriculture (DA), aims to enhance resiliency and cushion the impact of rising oil prices on the farming sector. The DA also distributed fertilizers to boost production, reduce costs, and promote balanced fertilizer use.
Furthermore, 800 families severely affected by recent calamities received PHP10,179 in cash assistance and family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as part of the government's efforts to provide relief to those in need.
