Letter to Mr. President

    Dear Mr. President 

    

     I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully share some concerns and questions regarding the country’s flood control programs, as well as the continuing humanitarian aid we receive from the European Union during times of disaster.

According to reports, more than ₱2 trillion has been allocated for flood control since 2011 (Lacson, 2025). Yet, year after year, many areas across the country still suffer from severe flooding. This leads me to wonder how the effectiveness of these programs is being measured. Are there systems in place to track whether these funds are being used efficiently and reaching the communities most in need. In recent years, the European Union has stepped in multiple times to assist us. Most recently, it provided €500,000 in emergency relief for flood victims in Luzon.

Earlier this year, it also granted €6 million for disaster preparedness in the Philippines (European Commission, 2025; Philippine News Agency, 2025). While this generosity is deeply appreciated, I cannot help but ask, why does our country still depend on foreign aid to respond to floods, especially when our national budget for these concerns is so substantial?

How can we improve our disaster response systems so that we are less reliant on international assistance? What steps are being taken to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in flood mitigation efforts?

I raise these questions with full respect and genuine concern as a citizen who hopes for a more disaster-resilient Philippines. I trust that under your leadership, improvements will be made to strengthen our nation’s capacity to protect its people and respond to natural calamities more effectively.

Thank you for your attention.

Respectfully yours,

Arce, Sofia M.

References:

European Commission. (2025). Philippines – European Commission disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid. Retrieved from https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/asia-and-pacific/philippines_en

Lacson, P. (2025, July 26). P2 trillion spent on flood control since 2011, but flooding persists. Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://web.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2025/0726_lacson1.asp

Philippine News Agency. (2025, August 4). EU releases €500K in aid to assist PH flood victims. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255804

Gumban, E. (2025, August 14). Commuters wade through waist-deep floodwaters near Zapote Junction Flyover [Photograph]. The Philippine Star. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2025/08/14/2465315/flood-control-projects-face-p717-billion-budget-cut

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