PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said he is eyeing the creation of a long-term plan to protect local communities living under constant threat of Taal Volcano’s eruption.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer was in Batangas to meet with local officials and his local supporters, who organized a series of activities there.

The local media asked Marcos for his opinion on how the government can help Batangueños prepare should the Taal Volcano show signs of activity or, worse, erupt.

The former senator quickly responded, saying that the government must craft a long-term action plan to avoid devastation in the province.

“Bantayan natin ng mabuti ang aktibidad ng bulkan. At habang naghihintay ay mag-plano na tayo,” Marcos said in an interview over a local radio station.

Marcos also said he draws inspiration from the plans and preparations made for the province of Leyte following the devastation brought by Yolanda in 2013. Yolanda was the strongest typhoon to hit the country and left more than 6,000 residents dead.

“Galing lang ako sa selebrasyon ng Yolanda, nakita ko na pinaghandaan na nila yung parating ulit, kung sakaling magka-bagyo ulit. Dapat siguro yung mga disenyo o design ng bahay, dapat siguro panahon na para pag-isipan natin kung paano yung may mitigation kung sakaling pumutok ulit ay hindi na mawasak, kahit dadalhin natin sila sa evacuation center,” Marcos explained.

Marcos added that a long-term solution is needed, such as strengthening the structures of the houses and other properties, particularly those nearby the volcano, to mitigate the effect of the devastation.

“Yun talaga ang dapat (long-term solution), kasi puputok at puputok naman ulit ang bulkan e. Andyan lang yang bulkan,” Marcos insisted.

Marcos also graced the Unifying BBM cup, a practical shooting event at a firing range in Lipa city. He also met with mayors and officials of Batangas and Quezon provinces.

He presided over the mass oath-taking of new PFP members and candidates. After which, he attended the caravan organized by his supporters. All of Marcos’ activities were well-attended, and hundreds of Batangueños lined the street to welcome him.

“Ang katotohanan nagulat ako dahil hindi ko inaasahan na ganito karami ang sasalubong sa akin. Masyado silang organized. Nakakataba ng puso na makita na andyan ang mga supporter natin na nagpapahayag ng kanilang suporta at nagpapakita ng tiwala sa ating mensahe at adbokasiya,” said Marcos.

Marcos also distributed 1,400 pairs of slippers, 20 boxes of coffee, 20 boxes of corned beef, and 20 boxes of meatloaf for the inmates of the Batangas Provincial Jail.

Marcos is considered by many as a unifying leader who will bring progress and stability to the country. His humble demeanor despite rabid attacks by his critics had also endeared him to Filipinos.

Recent Presidential preference surveys showed Marcos as the ‘best bet’ of the people along with Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

“Ang habol ko para sa ating bansa ay tayo ay magkaisa, tayo ay magtulungan. Dahil sa lahat ng krisis na kinaharap ng Pilipinas, tayo’y nakaraos dahil tayo ay nagtulungan, tayo nagmahalan at tayo’y nagkaisa,” Marcos added.