Sara Duterte Says Flood Response Must Cover the Entire Philippines
SARA DUTERTE – As flooding continues to threaten communities across the country, Vice President Sara Duterte believes the government’s focus should extend beyond Davao City and include all vulnerable regions.
Vice President Sara Duterte said the national government should not focus solely on flood concerns in Davao City, emphasizing that flooding remains a serious issue affecting many parts of the Philippines.
Her remarks came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. discussed the government’s renewed efforts to address flooding in Davao City. On July 28, 2026, the President announced that the administration was revisiting the city’s flood mitigation master plan, which was originally examined in 2023, following recurring flood incidents in the area.
According to the President, the government is looking into strengthening its collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to update the master plan and conduct a new feasibility study for flood control projects in Davao City. The initiative aims to develop long-term solutions that could help reduce the frequency and severity of flooding in the city.
However, speaking to members of the media at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Thursday, August 6, Vice President Duterte emphasized that flood mitigation efforts should extend beyond Davao City and encompass all flood-prone areas nationwide.
“Dapat tutukan ng gobyerno ang baha sa lahat ng lugar ng Pilipinas, hindi lang sa Davao City,” she said.
She further pointed out that several provinces and regions also continue to experience flooding, saying, “Kasi meron ding baha sa Ilocos, meron ding baha sa Pampanga, sa Bulacan.”
The Vice President underscored the risks posed by flooding, especially during the rainy season and the passage of tropical cyclones. She warned that low-lying communities across the country remain vulnerable and should receive equal attention from the government to prevent possible casualties.
“Lahat ng mga low-lying area sa panahon ng malakas na pag-ulan at bagyo ay kailangang tutukan. Dahil delikado na merong mamamatay dahil sa pagbaha,” she said.
VP Sara also emphasized that the President’s responsibility extends to every part of the country, adding that disaster preparedness and flood mitigation programs should benefit all Filipinos regardless of their location.
“Hindi lang Davao City. Dapat buong bansa. Dahil ang Pangulo naman ay Pangulo ng buong bansa,” she concluded.
As of this writing, President Marcos, Malacañang, and other concerned government officials have yet to issue a response or statement regarding the Vice President’s remarks.
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