President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent the week responding to severe flooding and other emergencies while pushing government agencies to strengthen disaster preparedness and advance programs on education, infrastructure, public safety, national security, and the economy.
From August 31 to September 4, Marcos conducted inspections of flood-hit areas, ordered the repair of damaged infrastructure, directed assistance for affected families and overseas Filipino workers, and approved measures aimed at addressing longer-term vulnerabilities to climate-related disasters.
The President’s week began on Monday, August 31, National Heroes Day, when he led ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to honor national heroes and modern-day Filipinos serving the country, including overseas Filipino workers, teachers, health workers and fisherfolk.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, Marcos underscored the shared responsibility of protecting Philippine territory and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the country’s rights through peaceful and lawful means.
“Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo,” Marcos said.
As heavy monsoon rains triggered flooding in several areas, the President called on Filipinos to remain vigilant and follow government advisories. The Palace also warned against the theft of equipment and parts from government pumping stations, saying such acts could disrupt flood-control operations.
Coast Guard, maritime security
On Tuesday, September 1, Marcos administered the oath of 21 newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard flag officers at Malacañang Palace.
He tasked the officers with protecting the country’s maritime territory, including the West Philippine Sea, while assisting fisherfolk, securing ports and passengers, conducting search-and-rescue operations and enforcing laws against illegal fishing and smuggling.
Marcos urged the new flag officers to lead with integrity and courage, pursue modernization and strengthen coordination with other government agencies.
The President also received Nigerian Ambassador-designate Vice Admiral (Ret.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, with the Philippines and Nigeria looking to expand cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, security and the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
The two countries are also preparing to mark the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027.
Flood control takes center stage
With flooding worsening in several communities, Marcos directed local government units to strictly enforce no-build zones in flood-prone areas, keep waterways and drainage systems clear, and improve garbage management to prevent clogged waterways.
He also ordered the Department of Education to strengthen climate change education and disaster preparedness, saying students should be better equipped to understand and respond to climate-related risks.
The severe weather damaged thousands of schools nationwide. In Central Luzon alone, 622 schools were affected, with about P2.9 billion needed for repairs. Nationwide, 2,243 schools were reported damaged, requiring an estimated P7.78 billion for rehabilitation.
On Wednesday, September 2, Marcos personally inspected flood-hit areas in Central Luzon, beginning in Tarlac before proceeding to the damaged Aquino and Agana bridges.
He directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite repairs, with the national government allocating about P300 million for the rehabilitation of the two bridges. A temporary Bailey bridge was also being constructed to restore access.
The President also confirmed the implementation of the P351-billion Flood Management Master Plan, which is intended to provide longer-term solutions to recurring flooding.
From Tarlac, Marcos proceeded to Barangay Santa Fe in Zambales, where affected families received food packs and financial assistance.
He later traveled to Lubao, Pampanga, inspected an evacuation center and ordered the immediate repair of a damaged embankment near the Sto. Cristo Dam.
Assistance for Filipino seafarers
On Thursday, September 3, Marcos expressed condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers who were killed after the Saudi-flagged oil tanker Sidr was struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
The President directed the Department of Migrant Workers, in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to provide assistance and benefits to the victims’ families and facilitate the repatriation of the remains.
The other 14 Filipino crew members were reported safe.
Peso, teachers and traffic
Marcos also ordered the release of P8.68 billion to support the career progression of public school teachers.
As the peso weakened to P62.565 against the US dollar, the President instructed his economic team to study measures to cushion the impact of the depreciation on inflation, food prices, businesses and logistics.
Flooding also caused severe traffic along the North Luzon Expressway, particularly in San Simon, Pampanga.
Marcos directed concerned agencies to strengthen flood-control and traffic-management measures. Toll fees were temporarily waived between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga, while stranded motorists were provided with food, water and portable toilets.
The President likewise inspected the Philippine International Convention Center ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits in November and ordered strengthened security and logistical preparations.
He also called on Filipino innovators to develop solutions to challenges including food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion and energy shortages.
Expanding access to higher education
On Friday, September 4, Marcos led the ceremonial signing of amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, expanding assistance for poor and disadvantaged students, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
The President highlighted the growth in the number of students benefiting from free higher education, which reached 2.6 million, as well as the increase in Department of Science and Technology undergraduate scholars to 48,520 for School Year 2025–2026.
Amid continuing rains and haze, Marcos also ordered the implementation of learning continuity measures to ensure students could continue their education despite class suspensions and other disruptions.
The Department of Education estimated that around P7.8 billion would be needed to rehabilitate schools damaged by the rains.
From disaster response and flood control to maritime security, economic protection, teacher support and access to higher education, Marcos’ activities throughout the week reflected a dual focus: addressing immediate emergencies while pursuing longer-term measures intended to strengthen the country’s resilience and protect Filipino communities.