President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of adopting new design strategies for infrastructure focused on flood control and slope protection to address the challenges posed by climate change effectively.
Marcos further stated that the recent calamities, including flooding, were unprecedented not just in the Philippines but also in other countries.
He pointed out that the country's flood control structures had been stretched beyond capacity, stressing the need for science-driven solutions to meet the challenges of the changing weather pattern.
“Kaya’t gagawin natin babaguhin natin ang mga design, patitibayin natin ‘yang mga infrastructure, mga flood control, ‘yung mga slope protection, pati ‘yung mga tulay, lahat ‘yan kailangan nating baguhin. Tingnan natin ang mas magandang design," Marcos said during an ambush interview with the media on Monday.
"it is something that we have to deal with," he added.
He then highlighted the necessity of being more strategic and technologically aware in order to mitigate the worsening effects of changing weather patterns.
During his visit to Batangas to provide aid to communities affected by the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Marcos emphasized the need for government agencies to intensify disaster preparedness and response efforts to prevent loss of life in future calamities.
Marcos directed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to enhance its warning system for timely storm alerts.
He also instructed the DOST and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure clear and effective communication with local governments to better prepare for disasters.
