PBBM to DPWH: Ensure climate-resilient roads

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday to enhance the slope protection designs of all road networks in the Philippines to ensure their suitability for the country’s ever-changing climate.

“Ang DPWH ay tinagubilinan natin na pagbutihin ang slope protection design ng ating mga kalsada at tulay nang matiyak na ito ay angkop sa pagbabago ng klima,” President Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of assistance in Talisay, Batangas.

President Marcos made the remarks in response to the infrastructure damages caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Batangas.

Government records indicate that Severe Tropical Storm Kristine damaged infrastructures, including the Bugaan Bridge (also known as Bayuyungan Bridge) in Laurel, the slope protection along the bridge, and a road in Agoncillo, Batangas.

The affected road networks are located along the Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo national road section, the only major road connecting Agoncillo, Lemery, and nearby municipalities. As a result, access to affected barangays is unavailable, posing challenges for emergency response teams.

“Dahil sa matinding pabago-bagong panahon, ang ating imprastraktura ay dapat masigurong ligtas at angkop sa gitna ng unos at iba pang sakuna. Kaya inaatasan ko na siguruhin ng DPWH na hindi lang ito matatapos sa inaasahang oras, kundi matibay at kalidad din,” President Marcos said.

The President also instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that all materials used meet high-quality standards.

“Bukod sa paggunita, nawa ang araw na ito ay magsilbi na hudyat ng pagkakaisa para sa mas matibay na mga imprastraktura at mga programang inuuna ang buhay at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos distributed various assistance to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay. He also offered a memorial mass at Ground Zero in Barangay Sampaloc.