Statement of the Presidential Spokesperson on the flooding in Metro Manila, June 24, 2011

We commend the MMDA, the PNP and LGUs for their efforts to attend to the needs of the commuting public and neighborhoods affected by the strong rains yesterday. Even as government employees in the National Capital Region have been allowed to go home, MMDA employees under the lead of Chairman Tolentino continue to work round-the-clock. As we undertake the cleanup and repair of the metropolis, this is a harsh reminder of the increasing challenges erratic weather patterns will bring in their wake because of global warming.

Metro Manila residents demonstrated exceptional patience and endurance, but we are all committed to making these events a thing of the past. As new equipment for weather forecasting, combined with increased training for our scientists, takes place, we can look forward to improvements in our capacity to deal with heavy rains. Your government, national and local, working with the private sector, can do it; let us work together to keep our neighborhoods dry and safe.