Metro Manila, Philippines – Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro took a swipe at critics of President Bongbong Marcos’ advice to store water in buckets amid the El Niño threat, telling those she described as government obstructionists that they need a “baldeng utak” to understand the administration’s preparations.
During a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Castro criticized those who ridiculed the president’s suggestion to buy buckets and conserve water, accusing them of focusing on a single remark while ignoring the government’s broader efforts to prepare for drought.
“Sa mga obstructionists po itong sasabihin ko: Kailangan po talaga natin ng balde – baldeng utak para maintindihan ninyo po kung ano ang plano ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
[Translation: We really need a bucket, a bucket-sized brain, to understand the president’s plans.]
The palace official argued that Marcos’ advice was being taken out of context, insisting that water collection and conservation are practical measures already being implemented in other countries.
“Hindi po ito pagkaniya-kaniya. Kung ito lang po ang nadinig na patungkol sa balde, ang mas maganda po, umupo sila at makinig. Sit down and listen kung ano ang sinasabi ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
[Translation: This is not about everyone being left to fend for themselves. If all they heard was the part about buckets, they should sit down and listen to what the president is saying.]
Castro maintained that the government was taking the threat of El Niño seriously and that the public should consider the administration’s wider preparations rather than focus on isolated statements.
“Lahat po tayo ay kailangang magmasid, maging mapanuri, huwag puro negatibo dahil kapag kayo negatibo, hindi po kayo matututo,” she added.
Water collection and filtration
Castro explained that the president’s suggestion was part of efforts to encourage households to collect and store water in anticipation of possible shortages.
She said Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian was preparing an instructional video demonstrating water filtration methods, including how collected rainwater could be treated for appropriate uses.
The palace official stressed that rainwater harvesting was not a new practice and should not be dismissed as an ineffective response to drought.
“Huwag ninyong tawanan ang pag-iipon ng tubig,” Castro said.
[Translation: Do not make fun of collecting water.]
She also criticized Vice President Sara Duterte, alleging that the vice president had previously laughed at the practice of collecting rainwater.
Castro did not provide further details during the briefing about the specific incident she was referring to.
Marcos convenes agencies over El Niño threat
Marcos convened another meeting with key government agencies on the same day to strengthen preparations for El Niño and its potential effects on food production, water supply and energy security.
According to Malacañang, the president directed agencies to reinforce existing measures and ensure that critical sectors, including hospitals, dams and farms, are prepared for worsening dry conditions.
The departments of Agriculture; Social Welfare and Development and Department; and Labor and Employment discussed measures to address the possible effects of drought on agriculture and affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and Local Water Utilities Administration focused on water management and irrigation.
The Department of Energy was tasked with monitoring energy and fuel supplies, while the Presidential Communications Office coordinated the dissemination of information on drought preparedness.
