In the wake of severe tropical storm Kristine’s devastation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. called for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure enhancements nationwide to strengthen flood controls and ensure buildings and roads can withstand climate-related challenges.
During a relief event for affected communities in Talisay, Batangas, Mr. Marcos underscored the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate climate-related hazards.
“We are witnessing stronger storms that change course quickly and cover a wider area. We must ensure these tragedies don’t repeat,” he said, urging key agencies to update their disaster response frameworks.
The President directed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to improve early-warning systems in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG’s “Operation Listo” program, which trains local government units on disaster readiness, will also expand its reach.
He also instructed agencies overseeing dams, such as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to begin controlled water releases in low-lying areas ahead of storms to prevent dangerous flooding.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and other government units, he said, must expedite relief operations when storms hit.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, Marcos called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fortify the design of roads and bridges to withstand severe weather conditions, referencing recent damage to the Bugaan Bridge in Laurel and other sections of the Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo national road.
“Our infrastructure must be built not just on schedule, but with durability and resilience in mind,” he noted, also tasking the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure high-quality materials are used for such projects.
To ease travel between towns prone to typhoon impacts, President Marcos committed to completing the Taal Lake Circumferential Road, which will link Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel, and advanced plans for a new road connecting the municipalities of Lobo and San Juan.
The President also took time to thank Metrobank for donations of housing materials for rebuilding efforts and acknowledged local government units, volunteers, and first responders for their roles in recent disaster relief efforts.
