MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he has directed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to find a resettlement area for Misamis Occidental residents whose houses were destroyed by the recent floodings.

“Nag-coordinate na kami sa National Housing Authority. ‘Yung mga bahay na totally destroyed, hahanapan natin ng resettlement area para magkaroon ng tirahan,” President Marcos said during the distribution of government assistance at The Working Congressman Sports Complex in the Municipality of Tudela.

“So ‘yan ang ating mga gagawin... sa darating na ilang linggo kaya’t asahan ho ninyo, kung mayroon kayong pangangailangan, nandito po si governor, nandito po si congressman, nandito po ang ating mga ahensya,” Marcos said.

Once a relocation area is identified, the government will send rebuilding materials so people can start constructing new homes, the chief executive pointed out.

The President also sought to improve flood-control structures, which serve as the first line of defense against floods and overflowing rivers.

"Kaya naman titingnan natin ang lahat para gumawa tayo ng solusyon. Patuloy tayong maghuhukay sa mga ilog para gawing malalim, para hindi mabilis na – mabilis na lumabas ang tubig sa ilog at patuloy natin patitibayin ang mga flood control natin,” the President said.

"Ngunit, sa long-term kailangan nating isipin kung papaano natin gagawin para hindi na talaga maulit. Wala na tayong risk na ganito ang mangyari,” Marcos added.

The President assured the residents of Misamis Occidental that his government would continue providing assistance to those in need, such as relief goods, potable water, clothing, and temporary shelter for the evacuees.

“Nandiyan ang DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), nandiyan po lahat ng ating ahensya na maaari ninyong lapitan nang makasiguro kami na lahat ng mga pangangailangan ninyo ay nabibigay,” Marcos told residents.

The President was joined by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, and  Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr.

According to local officials, more than 16,000 families were affected by the flood.

They said they were able to mitigate the damage and the number of casualties because of the proper handling of the crisis. (PND)