Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pledged to enhance disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies at both local and national levels following the devastating floods caused by recent typhoons that have impacted the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a social media vlog posted on Friday, Marcos highlighted the severe impact on millions of Filipinos and the extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture sectors due to the recent typhoons, aggravated by climate change. Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) resulted in massive flooding in the Bicol region, leading to the suspension of classes and government work in Luzon. In the same week, Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey), a super typhoon at one point, severely affected northern Luzon, particularly Batanes province.

Emphasizing the Philippines’ susceptibility to disasters and climate change, Marcos underscored the necessity of refining infrastructure project planning and DRR efforts to mitigate impacts
on communities. “Rapid response to the victims will remain our priority,” he stated, assuring collaboration with various government agencies to bolster national and local disaster response strategies.

The Philippines, located in the Pacific typhoon belt, experiences approximately 20 storms and typhoons annually. In 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, resulted in over 7,000 deaths or missing persons and devastated entire villages.

The President also reassured the public of the government’s readiness to provide necessary assistance to those affected by the recent typhoons. “We hear your plea and are doing everything to improve your situation,” he affirmed, emphasizing the commitment to enhance responses to climate change challenges in what he termed as the “New Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Cagayan Valley reported significant damage in Batanes due to Typhoon Leon. OCD Region 2 Director Leon DG Rafael, in
an interview with PTV 4, mentioned coordination with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco and provincial disaster officials to assess the damage, which includes destruction to houses, crops, and landslides on major roads.

As Cagayan Valley experiences fair weather during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the OCD continues monitoring water levels in river systems for potential flooding or landslides resulting from the heavy rains brought by the typhoons.