Hands on
MOVED by the plight of Filipinos hit by the recent typhoons, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed all government agencies to intensify relief operations for storm victims.
In Batangas where he inspected the damages brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine to peoples’ lives and properties, the President got very ‘hands on’ in dealing with the problem.
He even got very specific with his directives to government officials whom he brought to Batangas to witness the condition of the province and its people and determine measures to help storm victims.
In urging heads of various state agencies to prepare for natural disasters, including floods and landslides, the Chief Executive emphasized his instructions to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to improve their warning systems.
He also called on DOST to establish a standard procedure for the gradual release of water from dams before typhoons to reduce flood risks.
“Higit pa rito, ating pinag-bubuti ang paghahanda sa mga kalamidad. Muli kong uulitin, sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan pag-ibayuhin ang paghahanda laban sa baha at sa landslide,” President Marcos said.
The President also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other agencies to revise their flood control master plans.
The revisions aim to expand the capacity of infrastructures to handle increasing flood risks.
The President further stressed the importance of modern, climate-resilient designs for roads and bridges, ensuring these structures are safe, durable, and adaptable to the changing climate.
“Nagbigay direktiba na rin tayo sa DPWH, DENR at iba pang mag ahensya na rebisahin ang mga Flood Control Masterplans. Ito ay upang kayanin ng mga imprastraktura natin ang matinding pagbaha na nangyari kada-isang daang taon, ngunit ngayon ay nagiging mas madalas na,” President Marcos said.
Addressing infrastructures damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Batangas, the President ordered the DPWH to prioritize repairs for the Bayuyungan Bridge and the roads in Agoncillo.
He assured that Batangas will recover, supported by the completion of the Taal Lake Circumferential Road and Lobo Malabrogo – San Juan Laiya Road.
“Ukol naman sa tulay ng Bayuyungan at daan sa Agoncillo na nasira sa bagyong Kristine, ang DPWH ay tinitingnan na ang mga ito. Inaatasan ko rin sila na gawing prayoridad ang pagpapagawa ng mga imprastrakturang ito — na magawa sa lalong madaling panahon.”
“Pagsisikapan natin ang pagbangon ng Batangas. Ating titiyakin na tatapusin natin ang mga proyektong imprastraktura sa lalawigan katulad ng Taal Lake Circumferential Road na magkokonekta sa bayan ng Laurel, Talisay, at Agoncillo; pati na sa Lobo Malabrigo – San Juan Laiya Road project.”
Recognizing that infrastructure quality is crucial, the President assigned the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that all construction materials meet standards for quality, safety, and climate adaptability.
“Hindi lang sapat na ang mga proyektong imprastraktura ay matapos ng DPWH sa inaasahang oras. Kailangan din na ang mga materyales at ang mag pagkakagawa ng mga proyektong ito ay tiyak na de-kalidad, ligtas, at makakatagal sa pagbabagong panahon. Kaugnay nito, inaatasan ko rin ang DTI na pagtutuunan ng pansin ang mga materyales at instrumentong gagamitin sa pagpapatayo ng mga itom,” he added.
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