Emotions ran high as Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda made an urgent appeal for a lasting solution to the province’s recurring floods, saying many of her constituents have suffered too long from rising waters.
Following a situational briefing on the impact of the enhanced southwest monsoon in Central Luzon led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, August 24, Pineda appealed directly to the President to prioritize long-term flood-control measures, particularly in Pampanga’s low-lying communities.
“Mr. President, kawawa na po ang mga kababayan kong lubog sa baha,” Pineda said in an emotional appeal to the national government.
The briefing brought together national government officials, Central Luzon governors and local officials to assess the extent of flooding, damage and the condition of affected families.
According to the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, more than one million individuals in the province have been affected, while damage to agriculture, livestock and egg production has reached nearly ₱948 million.
Among the proposed measures discussed were dredging and declogging waterways, construction of floodgates and pumping stations, sabo dams, rehabilitation of flood-control infrastructure, and a proposed 100-kilometer dike road.
While immediate relief remains critical, Pineda’s emotional plea underscored the deeper challenge facing Pampanga—finding a permanent solution to floods that repeatedly displace families, damage livelihoods and leave communities struggling to recover.
President Marcos assured local officials of continued national-local coordination to speed up assistance and pursue stronger, long-term flood-control solutions for Central Luzon.
