Stronger, smarter flood control, slope protection needed - Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants a comprehensive revamp of the flood control infrastructure and slope protection systems to address the damaging impact of climate change, in the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine.

During a visit to Laurel, a town in Batangas severely affected by floods and calamities, Marcos highlighted the limitations of flood control measures and called for science-based solutions to tackle extreme weather.

“Tingnan ninyo hindi lamang dito. Nakita niyo ba ‘yung nangyari sa Espanya? Nakita niyo ba ‘yung mga nangyayari sa iba’t ibang lugar? Sa States ‘yung mga nangyayari? Ganyan din. Doon din sa mga lugar na ‘yun ay ngayon lang nangyari ‘yan,” he told reporters.

[Translation: Look not only here. Did you see what happened in Spain? Did you see what’s happening in various places? In the US, what’s happening? It’s the same. Even in those areas, this is happening for the first time.]

Marcos noted the need for scientific guidance in reinforcing flood control structures.

“Kaya’t ang 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,” he said.

[Translation: So, what we’ll do is change the designs, strengthen the infrastructure, flood controls, slope protection, and even bridges; all of that needs redesigning. Let’s look for better designs.]

“We have to be smarter, we have to be more technologically aware of what is available so that we can reduce the effects,” he added.

Marcos said government efforts might still fall short given the destruction and loss of life from Typhoon Kristine.

“I’ll tell you the truth, it’s never enough. It’s never enough. I wish we could do more. We are doing everything that we can but… You know when you lose a life, you lose a life. What can you do about that? It’s… a terrible tragedy,” he said.

Marcos also distributed tens of millions in assistance to six municipalities in Batangas affected by “Kristine.” Each municipality - Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete - will receive P10 million for recovery efforts.

In his speech, the president extended his condolences to storm victims and expressed hope that government aid would help communities rebuild from the ruins.