VICE PRESIDENT Sara Z. Duterte called on the national government to overhaul its disaster intervention strategy, insisting that flood mitigation efforts must encompass high-risk communities across the country rather than focusing solely on Davao City.
Responding to reporters during a media interview on Aug. 6, 2026, regarding proposals for targeted flood intervention in Davao, the Vice President underscored that severe flooding poses an existential threat to lives nationwide during periods of heavy rainfall and typhoons.
“Yes, the government should focus on floods in all areas of the Philippines, not just Davao City. Because there are also floods in Ilocos, there are also floods in Pampanga, in Bulacan—all low-lying areas during heavy rains and storms need to be focused on, because there is a risk that someone will die due to floods,” Duterte stated.
Duterte urged the executive branch to remember its duty to safeguard all citizens equally, pointing out that agricultural and residential plains in Northern and Central Luzon suffer massive flooding similar to urban centers in Mindanao.
The Vice President emphasized that disaster response and flood control infrastructure should reflect the President’s duty to serve every province.
“So, it shouldn’t just be Davao City, it should be the entire country—because the President is the President of the entire country,” Duterte remarked.
Her statement comes amid growing public scrutiny over national flood control budgets, urban drainage management, and climate resilience projects following severe monsoon weather patterns impacting key provinces across Luzon and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has yet to respond regarding the matter.
