Batangas: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday instructed relevant government agencies to bolster their disaster preparedness and response initiatives following a series of recent typhoons.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a government assistance distribution event for typhoon victims in the towns of Talisay and Laurel in Batangas, Marcos laid out specific tasks for agencies to enhance the nation’s disaster readiness. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Marcos stated, “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.”
In his directives, President Marcos urged the Department of Science and Technology to upgrade early warning systems and develop a standardized procedure for the controlled release of water from dams before typhoons to mitigate flood risks. Additionally, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other agenc
ies were instructed to revise flood control master plans to increase infrastructure capacity to handle escalating flood threats.
Marcos stressed the necessity of modern, climate-resilient design standards for roads and bridges, ensuring these structures remain safe, durable, and adaptable to changing climate conditions. He also prioritized repairs for the Bayuyungan Bridge and roads in Agoncillo and assured that Batangas’ recovery would be supported by the completion of critical infrastructure projects.
To ensure infrastructure quality, the President tasked the Department of Trade and Industry with verifying that all construction materials adhere to standards for quality, safety, and climate adaptability. Environment Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga highlighted the importance of proactive water resource management to mitigate severe weather risks, emphasizing planned dam releases as a crucial technical measure to manage reservoir levels and prevent overflow during heavy rainfall events.
(With a report
from Marita Moaje PNA)
