MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and conduct a study on how to address the flooding in Misamis Occidental.

In a situation briefing in Ozamiz City on Wednesday, President Marcos said he wants the DPWH to determine the cause of the flood in the province and work with concerned agencies to carry out a solution.

President Marcos suggested asking for the assistance of Japan, which he said has vast experience and expertise in dealing with flooding.

Local officials of Misamis Occidental raised the idea of constructing an infrastructure that will divert the water running through a river to lessen the flooding in Clarin town.

According to local officials, weeks of heavy downpour has damaged bridges and other infrastructure, including the flood control system constructed by the government.

They told the President that more than 16,000 families were affected by the flood in their province.

Currently, flood-affected families are sheltering in evacuation centers.

A total of 76 infrastructure, amounting to P132.14 million were damaged, including two bridges in Oroquieta City.

A total of 5,594.75 hectares or P154.38 million worth of damage to agriculture has been recorded in Northern Mindanao. (PCO)