CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led members of his Cabinet to assess the damage brought about by the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon in the province of Pampanga. 
 
During the situation briefing, Governor Dennis Pineda reported that damages in the agriculture sector amounted to P874.81 million.
 
These include P534.68 million damage in rice; P274.06 million in fisheries; P34.96 million in high-value crops; P25.05 million in corn; and P6.07 million in livestock. 
 
With this, the President assured the local chief executives and the 10,398 affected farmers that they will receive all forms of support and assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA). 
 
"We will give them aid in terms of seedlings, especially high-value crops (HVC). These [HVC] could easily be replanted and could grow faster. For farmers who cannot replant, we will give them alternative source of livelihood like giving them livestock so they can survive and help augment their daily needs,” Marcos said. 
 
He also asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute cash assistance to the evacuees aside from the provision of food packs and hygiene kits so that they can buy their other necessities that are not included in the relief aid given to them.
 
Based on the report of the Provincial Government, a total of 196,074 families or 712,881 individuals from 18 local government units were affected by flooding. Of these, a total of 2,111 families are still inside different evacuation centers, while 191 displaced families are outside evacuation centers. 

Pineda also reported that the total damage to infrastructure in the province was pegged at P108.99 million, and may still go up once assessment is completed. 
 
Among the damaged structures include 13 slope protection worth P77.92 million; four earth dikes – P5.45 million; three flood control structures – P4.5 million; one road dike—P11 million; one road shoulder – P10 million; and one box culvert – P120,000. 
 
With this, Marcos said there is a need to take climate change into consideration when planning against future disasters and hazards in order to mitigate the impacts of these to lives, properties, and livelihoods. 
 
“This is the new reality that we have to face and unfortunately, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable to climate change so we need to adjust. We have to think of new things, we have to be more attuned. We need to understand well the problem of climate change, what effect it has on us. That is the first thing we must understand and accept," he said. 
 
The President also cited the crucial role of the local government units (LGUs) in coming up with immediate, short and long-term solutions to address the flooding situation in the province. 
 
“Dredging, repair of expressways and having alternative routes, and water impounding are some steps that we will be taking. Don't worry, when it comes to LGUs. The greatest champion you have for the LGU is your President because I came from the LGU. If you have any suggestions, don't hesitate to tell us. We are listening to the LGUs because you are the ones who know the situation,” he said. 
 
Marcos also urged LGUs to always send updated data so that the national government can immediately assist those in need. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)