President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed concerned government agencies to strengthen their disaster preparedness and response efforts after the recent spate of typhoons.
Speaking at the distribution of government assistance to typhoon victims in the towns of Talisay and Laurel in Batangas, Marcos provided specific assignments to government agencies to intensify the country’s disaster preparedness measures.
“Layunin natin na hindi na maulit ang pagkawala ng buhay dahil sa kalamidad. Totoo na mas matindi ang mga bagyo ngayon – mas malawak, mas malakas, mas mabilis ang pagbabago (Our goal is to prevent the loss of life due to calamities. It’s true that storms are more intense today – wider, stronger, changing faster),” Marcos said during the ceremony in Talisay.
“Kaya inuulit ko ang mga kautusan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan (So I repeat the orders to the government agencies).”
The President directed the Department of Science and Technology to improve early warning systems and establish a standard procedure for the gradual release of water from dams before typhoons to reduce flood risks.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other agencies are ordered to revise flood control master plans to expand the capacity of infrastructures to handle increasing flood risks.
The President further underscored the importance of modern, climate-resilient designs for roads and bridges, ensuring these structures are safe, durable and adaptable to the changing climate.
“Isinusulong din natin ang mga makabagong disenyo para sa proteksyon ng mga kalsada at tulay, at tinitiyak na ang mga ito ay maging matibay at angkop sa ating klima (We will also promote innovative designs for the protection of roads and bridges, and ensure that they are durable and suitable for our climate),” he said.
Meanwhile, Marcos ordered the DPWH to prioritize repairs for the Bayuyungan Bridge and the roads in Agoncillo.
He assured that Batangas would recover, supported by the completion of the Taal Lake Circumferential Road and Lobo-Malabrigo-San Juan Laiya Road.
Recognizing that infrastructure quality is crucial, Marcos assigned the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure that all construction materials meet standards for quality, safety and climate adaptability. (PNA)
