Ilagan City, Isabela
November 22, 2024
“Dahil sa pabago-bagong panahon at paglakas ng mga bagyo dulot ng climate change, ang gobyerno ay nagpupursigi na maibsan ang epekto ng mga kalamidad na ito. Sa gayon, maiiwasan natin ang matinding pinsala sa buhay, ari-arian at kabuhayan,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families at the Ilagan City Community Center in Ilagan City, Isabela.
The President acknowledged the damage brought by the typhoons that struck not only Isabela but the entire Cagayan Valley Region, with six (6) storms affecting the area since the end of October.
He emphasized that local government units (LGUs) and various government agencies have been quick to respond, working tirelessly to provide relief and aid to residents even before and immediately after the storms passed.
“Para sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan, siguruhin natin na matapos ang mga proyekto upang maibsan ang panganib at pinsalang dulot ng madalas na pagbaha. Sa bawat solusyon, dapat ay may agarang aksyon para sa mas malawak na proteksyon,” President Marcos Jr. stated.
Acknowledging the increasing intensity and unpredictability of storms due to climate change, he underscored the government’s commitment to mitigating the effects of such disasters. Efforts are already underway to address the long-term impact of flooding and other climate-related hazards. The government is studying master plans for major river basins, such as the Cagayan River Basin, and beginning repairs on critical infrastructure like the Magat Dam.
Moreover, flood control projects such as the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project are being built to not only mitigate flooding but also provide irrigation for the farmers’ crops, further enhancing agricultural productivity in the Region.
He also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose dedication, despite the exhaustion and adverse conditions, has been instrumental in the relief efforts.
“Mga kababayan, alam ko po ang bigat na inyong iniinda, ngunit sana hindi po tayo panghinaan ng loob. Hangad ko ang ating sama-samang pagbangon na puno ng pag-asa, pagmamahal at pagkakaisa,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.
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