MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies and local government units to strictly enforce “no-build zones” and strengthen disaster preparedness as severe flooding continues to affect parts of Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President issued the directive during a Cabinet meeting on the flooding situation and the government’s health response on Monday, August 31.

Marcos also directed agencies to factor climate change into long-term planning, citing increasingly intense rainfall and flooding not only in the Philippines but in other countries.

“Dapat ipatupad ang batas pati ang ‘no build zone’. Huwag nang mamulitika, ipatupad ang batas,” Castro quoted the President as saying.

The Palace said local government units must strictly enforce restrictions on construction in flood-prone areas, maintain waterways, ensure regular garbage collection and coordinate with national agencies on disaster preparedness.

Marcos also cited old urban master plans for Metro Manila and Cebu that, according to the Palace, were never fully implemented. Castro said some areas that could have remained open spaces capable of absorbing excess rainwater are now occupied by infrastructure.

The President also wants climate change preparedness incorporated into education so students can learn how to respond to climate-related risks at an early age.

At the community level, residents were urged to properly dispose of waste and help keep drainage systems and waterways clear.

During the same meeting, Marcos received updates on rescue, evacuation, relief and health operations in flood-hit areas. The government said assistance continues to be delivered to affected communities, including isolated areas in Central Luzon.

More than P618 million in humanitarian assistance has been provided to Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan, while total assistance across Central Luzon has reached over P874 million, according to the Palace.

Marcos also directed agencies to remain prepared for health risks such as leptospirosis and to immediately repair damaged roads, bridges, dikes and other flood-control infrastructure.

The President stressed that disaster preparedness should go beyond emergency response as climate-related hazards become more severe.

“Ang utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., huwag tayong magpakampante,” Castro said.

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