Situation Briefing on the Effects of Tropical Storm Enteng in Rizal Province 9/6/2024

Ynares Events Center, Antipolo City
September 6, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on local chief executives from various local government units (LGUs) in Rizal Province and key officials from relevant national agencies to collaborate in mitigating the effects of Tropical Storm Enteng, which has been exacerbated by the southwest monsoon, during a situation briefing at the Ynares Events Center, Antipolo City.

In the discussion, President Marcos Jr. issued several directives aimed at addressing flooding, not only during tropical storms but also during heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon.

Reports indicate that the heavy rainfall in Rizal Province over the past four (4) days is equivalent to a month's worth of rain, causing the Wawa Dam to overflow and inundate nearby towns. This has led to the evacuation of over 33,480 individuals (10,313 families) and resulted in PhP30 million worth of agricultural damages and PhP314 million in infrastructure damage.

The Chief Executive suggested installing weirs, small dams built across rivers to control upstream water flow, and constructing upstream water impounding structures or catch basins that could double as irrigation sources.

Furthermore, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discussed its targeted reforestation plan which involves introducing three (3) million trees in vegetative areas of the Upper Marikina protected landscape, covering 1,000 hectares (ha) with plans to expand to 10,000 ha. This plan is targeted for completion in the next four (4) years.

As the country prepares for two (2) potential tropical cyclones that could develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming weeks, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is stockpiling 500,000 food packs for nationwide distribution.

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