Palace defends President Marcos over his 'balde' suggestion to cope with El Niño

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is taking the threat of a “very strong” El Niño seriously, Malacañang said Tuesday, defending his advice for households to collect rainwater in buckets (balde) amid criticism that the measure places the burden on individuals.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s remarks were part of broader preparations for the prolonged dry spell, which could worsen in the coming months.

“Hindi po ito biro. Siniseryoso ng Pangulo ang magaganap at nagaganap na at maaaring mag-worsen sa mga susunod na buwan (This is no joke. The President is taking what is happening seriously, what will happen and what could worsen in the coming months),” Castro said during a press briefing.

Castro said the public should consider the government’s wider preparations instead of focusing solely on the bucket remark.

She explained that households collecting rainwater could be taught how to filter it for safe use.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian has discussed the initiative with the President and is preparing an instructional video on water filtration, she added.

“Kung mag-iipon po kayo ng tubig, kapag pumatak ang ulan ay maaaring gamitin ito at ituturo po sa inyo iyong filtration (If you collect water when it rains, you may use it, and you will be taught how to filter it),” Castro said.

Castro urged the public to take the government’s recommendations seriously and assess the measures being prepared.

-PNA / Darryl John Esguerra