Marcos orders gov’t agencies to ramp up disaster response measures

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. (Screengrabbed from Bongbong Marcos’ Facebook live)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed various government agencies to strengthen their disaster preparedness and response measures.

In his speech after leading the distribution of aid to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay, Batangas,  Marcos said he tasked the Department of Science and Technology to improve its warning system to bring timely precautions on dangers that typhoons will bring.

“Inatasan ko na rin ang DOST at DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] na siguruhin ang tama at maayos na komunikasyon sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang maging handa naman sila ‘pag parating ang kalamidad,” he added.

(I have instructed the DOST and DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] to ensure proper and effective communication with local governments so they are prepared when a calamity approaches.)

“Patuloy din ang programa ng DILG na Operation Listo na ang layon ay palakasin ang disaster preparedness ng ating mga LGU para sa paghahanda, pagtugon, at pagsubaybay sa mga sakuna,” the President added.

(The DILG’s program, Operation Listo, continues to strengthen the disaster preparedness of our LGUs for preparation, response, and monitoring of disasters.)

Marcos also ordered the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to release water from dams gradually even before a typhoon hits.

“Ang NDRRMC at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan ay naatasan na rin na suriin ang kanilang mga pamamaraan sa ilalim ng disaster response upang mas mabilis tayong makapaghatid ng tulong sa mga naapektuhang pamayanan,” he also said.

(The NDRRMC and other government agencies have also been tasked with reviewing their disaster response methods to enable us to deliver assistance more quickly to affected communities.)

Marcos further mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Highways is already working on slope protection designs to ensure road suitability amid climate change.

For faster travel time in the towns of Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel, Marcos noted that the government is working on the completion of the Taal Lake Circumferential Road.

Marcos turned over financial assistance from his office worth P60 million to the municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Lemery, Cuenca, and Balete, which were severely affected by Kristine.

The president also handed over financial aid worth P10,000 each to 10 select beneficiaries from the Talisay and Agoncillo towns.

He attended a mass and blessing ceremony to support the bereaved families before the event.

Under Proclamation No. 728, series 2024, Marcos declared November 4 as a Day of National Mourning for the victims of Kristine.