By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered various government agencies to bolster the country’s disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of calamities, following the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon.
“Layunin natin na hindi na maulit ang pagkawala ng buhay dahil sa kalamidad.Totoo na mas matindi ang mga bagyo ngayon – mas malawak, mas malakas, mas mabilis ang pagbabago. Kaya inuulit ko ang mga kautusan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan,” the President said during the distribution of Presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Talisay, Batangas on Monday.
The Chief Executive ordered the Department of Science and Technology to improve its warning systems to provide timely typhoon-related alerts and closely coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to ensure proper communication with local government units (LGUs) in preparation for incoming calamities.
“Patuloy din ang programa ng DILG na Operation Listo—ang layon ay palakasin ang disaster preparedness ng ating mga LGU para sa paghahanda, pagtugon, at pagsusubaybay sa mga sakuna,” he said.
To prevent flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, Marcos ordered the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to gradually reduce water levels in dams even before a typhoon arrives.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other concerned agencies were tasked to review disaster response protocols to hasten aid delivery to affected areas.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was urged to improve slope protection designs for roads and bridges to suit changing climate conditions as well as ensure that the Taal Lake Circumferential Road and the Lobo Malabrigo – San Juan Laiya Road project connecting various towns in Batangas are completed on time.
“Dahil sa matinding pabago-bagong panahon, ang ating imprastraktura ay dapat masigurong ligtas at angkop sa gitna ng unos at iba pang sakuna. Kaya inaatasan ko na siguruhin ng DPWH na hindi lang ito matatapos sa inaasahang oras, kundi matibay at kalidad din,” the President said.
“Kaugnay nito, ang DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) naman ay kailangan suriin at tiyaking maayos ang magagandang klase ng mga materyales at ibang instrumentong gagamitin para sa mga proyektong ito,” he added.
Marcos also condoled with the bereaved families of those who perished due to Kristine in observance of the National Day of Mourning.
“Batid namin na hindi madaling maibsan ang sakit na inyong pinagdadaanan, ngunit umaasa kami na sa suportang handog namin ngayon, kayo ay makapagsimula muli,” the President said.
“Bukod sa paggunita, nawa ang araw na ito ay magsilbi na hudyat ng pagkakaisa para sa mas matibay na mga imprastraktura at mga programang inuuna ang buhay at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.
The Office of the President (OP), through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, granted P60 million worth of aid to six municipalities in Batangas, including Talisay, one of the hardest-hit areas in the province.
Including Talisay, the municipalities of Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete received P10 million each.
Around 4,378 select farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihood were severely affected by the tropical cyclone also received P10,000 each.
The Chief Executive also acknowledged Metrobank Foundation, Inc. for its donation of P6 million worth of housing kits to the Department of Social Housing and Urban Development, which would be distributed to beneficiaries in Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel.
He also thanked the LGUs, volunteers, and first responders for helping typhoon victims.
—avds