Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday hit critics who questioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s suggestion to use buckets to collect rainwater in preparation for the looming Super El Niño.
During a Palace press briefing, Castro urged the public to take the government’s preparations seriously, accusing what she called “obstructionists” of focusing on the bucket remark instead of the administration’s broader plans to address the potential effects of prolonged drought.
“Kailangan po talaga natin ng balde. Baldeng utak. Para po maintindihan niyo po kung ano ang plano ng Pangulo. Kung puwede lang bumili ng baldeng utak para maibigay sa inyo,” Castro said.
She explained that collecting rainwater could help communities conserve water, adding that the government was also exploring ways to make collected rainwater usable through filtration.
Castro said she had spoken with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who reportedly briefed Marcos on the initiative. She added that Gatchalian would produce a video demonstrating the water filtration process to guide the public.
The Palace official stressed that the President takes the threat of Super El Niño seriously, urging Filipinos to listen to the administration’s recommendations and avoid dismissing its preparations.
“Lahat po tayo ay kailangang magmasid, maging mapanuri, huwag puro negatibo dahil kapag kayo negatibo, hindi po kayo matututo,” Castro said.
