President Marcos said he had ordered different government agencies to further enhance the country's disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of calamities and avoid fatalities from natural disasters.

Marcos said this as he led the distribution of presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and their families in Talisay, Batangas, on Monday, Nov. 4.

In his speech, the President lamented the loss of lives during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine last month. With this, he assured Filipinos that he had directed government agencies to step up with disaster preparedness amid the changing climate.

"Layunin natin na hindi na maulit ang pagkawala ng buhay dahil sa kalamidad (Our goal is to not lose any more lives because of calamities)," he said.

Marcos revealed that he directed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to improve its warning systems and closely coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide the public with timely information and increase alertness.

To prevent flooding, especially in low-lying areas, the President has ordered the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to gradually reduce water levels in dams before a typhoon even arrives.

The National Disaster Risk and Management Council (NDRRMC) is tasked to analyze its disaster response measures to ensure the swift delivery of assistance to affected communities.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), meanwhile, was urged to enhance the slope protection designs of roads and bridges to make them more adaptable to changing climate patterns.

The President also committed to completing the Taal Lake Circumferential Road to reduce travel time between the towns of Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel. The government also has a project to connect the municipalities of Lobo and San Juan.

At the same time, he tasked the Department of Trade and Investment (DTI) to ensure that the materials used in infrastructure projects are of quality.

In a speech at a similar event in Laurel, Batangas, the President said he directed the DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DER) to revise their flood control master plans to expand the capacity of infrastructures to handle increasing flood risks.

Marcos further stressed the importance of modern, climate-resilient designs for roads and bridges, ensuring these structures are safe, durable, and adaptable to the changing climate.

Condolences

President Marcos lamented the loss of lives due to Typhoon Kristine and assured Filipinos that the government was one with them in facing this challenge.

"Nais ko pong ipaabot ang aming taos-pusong pakikiraramay sa bawat Pilipinong naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine (I want to extend our deepest condolences to each Filipino affected by Typhoon Kristine)," he said.

"Alam po namin na hindi sapat ang mga salita upang maibsan ang sakit na pinagdadaanan ninyo. Makakaasa kayo na ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na kabalikat ninyo sa pag-ahon mula sa hamong ito (We know that words are not enough to ease your suffering. Rest assured that the government will continue to be your partner as you overcome this challenge)," he added.

On Monday, President Marcos offered a memorial mass for those who died during the devastation. It was attended by approximately 100 individuals, including families of victims and residents of Ground Zero in Barangay Sampaloc.

Over the weekend, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 728, declaring Nov. 4 as a Day of National Mourning in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to the storm. Under the Proclamation, the National Flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad.

Based on a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine caused 139 casualties nationwide. Batangas reported the highest number of fatalities, with 61 lives lost, at least 20 of whom were from Talisay. Most deaths resulted from landslides and drowning.

Rebuilding homes

As part of the government’s ongoing “conveyor belt of aid” for typhoon survivors, Marcos led the distribution of various assistance, including shelter materials, to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Batangas.

The President led the turnover of 159 kits of housing materials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to the municipality of Talisay. Simultaneously, 200 kits of housing materials were distributed in Agoncillo and another 200 in Laurel.

Each family received Home Materials and Essentials (HOMEs) packages composed of GI roofs, marine plywood, lumbers, and nails for the repair of damaged homes. The items were provided by Metrobank Foundation Inc.

In his speech, Marcos thanked Metrobank for helping the families displaced by the typhoon to rebuild their homes. The Metrobank Foundation donated housing materials worth P6 million to the Batangas municipalities.

"Nais kong pasalamatan ang pribadong sektor kasama na diyan ang Metrobank, mga kawani ng pamahalaan, mga volunteer, mga first responder na nag-alay ng kanilang kakayahan upang makatulong sa ating mga kababayan (I want to thank the private sector including Metrobank, government agencies, volunteers, and first responders for offering their abilities to help our countrymen)," he said.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said he instructed DHSUD Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) to regularly monitor the situation to ensure that all families, particularly those with damaged houses, will be assisted.

Apart from HOMEs, the DHSUD also provided unconditional cash assistance to families whose houses were either damaged or destroyed during disasters.

In Laurel, Batangas, the President said the DPWH is already assessing the Bayuyungan Bridge and the roads in Agoncillo, which were damaged by "Kristine."

"Inaatasan ko rin sila na gawing prayoridad ang pagpapagawa ng mga imprastrakturang ito – na magawa sa lalong madaling panahon (I also ordered them to priortize the repair of these infrastructure and finish them as soon as possible)," he said.

"Pagsisikapan natin ang pagbangon ng Batangas. Ating titiyakin na tatapusin natin ang mga proyektong imprastraktura sa lalawigan (We will work hard for Batangas' recovery. Rest assured, we will complete all infrastructure project in the region)," he added.

Presidential assistance

Meanwhile, President Marcos distributed P60 million in assistance to six municipalities in Batangas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete received P10 million each.

In a similar event in Laure, Batangas, Marcos said the Office of the President will distribute P10,000 to 4,378 selected beneficiaries in the municipalities of Agoncillo (1,599); Laurel (1,500); and Talisay (1,279).