Talisay, Batangas
November 4, 2024
“Batid namin na hindi madaling maibsan ang sakit na inyong pinagdaraanan, ngunit umaasa kami na sa suportang handog namin ngayon, kayo ay makapagsimulang muli,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said when he led the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) ‘Kristine’ at the Talisay Municipal Hall in Talisay, Batangas.
The President expressed his condolences to Filipinos affected by STS Kristine with the issuance of Proclamation No. 728, series 2024 declaring a Day of National Mourning on November 4, 2024.
“Nais kong ipaabot ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa bawat Pilipinong naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine. Itinalaga natin ang araw na ito bilang National Day of Mourning sa ilalim ng Proclamation No. 728,” he said.
The Chief Executive emphasized the urgency of preventing further loss of life due to natural disasters, citing the increasing severity and rapid development of typhoons.
He directed government agencies to take action, starting with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to improve warning systems for timely advisories. He highlighted the importance of continuing the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Operation Listo for disaster readiness of local government units (LGUs).
The President also instructed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to preemptively release dam water before storms to prevent flooding.
Moreover, he directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to reassess disaster response for quicker aid, tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve slope protection for roads and bridges to address climate change, and instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure the use of quality materials for public safety.
President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure projects, mentioning the ongoing Taal Lake Circumferential Road that aims to facilitate faster travel between Talisay, Agoncillo and Laurel.
“Patuloy nating pagtibayin ang diwa ng bayanihan tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas na handa sa lahat ng pagsubok,” the President concluded in his speech.
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