BBM pushes stronger disaster response

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has vowed to strengthen the country's emergency preparedness and response following the onslaught of severe tropical storm "Paeng" that left at least 156 fatalities.

In his weekly vlog, Marcos reminded Filipinos that the country is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.

"Improving and strengthening our disaster response and disaster preparedness is a priority of our government," Marcos said in Filipino.

Collective efforts by LGUs are necessary, he said, in protecting ecosystems which is key to building climate resilience.

"Whenever there is an opportunity, I always bring up climate change. It's not a joke anymore. It's real. So destroying our mountains, rivers or seas will not help us," he said.

Marcos stressed that planting trees will save lives as it will help reduce the impacts of climate change.

"Simply planting trees will go a long way. It will save many generations from disaster or tragedy. That is our duty, not only to our country but to our fellow human beings," he said.

The Chief Executive also recognized the need to improve the aid distribution system for calamity victims.

He reiterated the need to set aside bureaucracy in providing assistance to those affected by natural calamities.

"We should make distribution faster. That's the mindset that I want all our agencies to follow when it comes to disaster response. We don't choose whom to help," he said.

"That's the kind of management we promote: Agencies that have initiatives in their role. That is a working management system and that is what we will continue to improve on," he added.