President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revisit the Philippines flood control masterplan after a series of tropical storms battered the country in just one month.

According to Marcos, this is one way of ensuring the country is ready to face severe weather conditions and keep up with stronger typhoons.

Of all the weather disturbances that hit the Philippines, severe tropical storm “Kristine” caused the most damage, submerging the Bicol Region, damaging parts of northern Luzon, and flooding most of Batangas which had never seen much water rush through its cities and towns.

While the government has implemented flood-mitigating programs, Marcos said it was not enough, admitting that the 5,500 flood control projects throughout the country were overwhelmed by the large volume of rain “Kristine” dumped.

“The storm this time is different. We have flood control systems but because of larger amounts of rainwater, we can no longer cope,” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive attributed the flooding and stronger typhoons to climate change which causes delays in rehabilitation efforts in extremely typhoon-affected areas as the bad weather continues to loom.

He also directed local government units to utilize the geohazard map created by the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify landslide-prone and flood-prone areas.

Marcos also ordered the agencies concerned such as the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology to test materials to be used in rebuilding communities to ensure they are strong quality materials that are safe and calamity-proof.

No change in WPS situation

Meanwhile, the President said the country’s situation with regard to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) conflict remained the same.

Marcos was reacting to the recent protest of China after the Philippines enacted two landmark legislations strengthening the maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes of the country.