The Philippines must develop expertise in disaster risk reduction to mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
President Marcos said specialization in this field would also reduce casualties from recurring natural disasters like typhoons.
“Bahagi na talaga ito ng pamumuhay natin. Itinuturing na high-risk ang ating bansa sa epekto ng climate change,” the President said in his news vlog posted Friday.
“Kaya kailangan natin maging magaling sa larangan na ito. Disaster risk reduction, both the public at saka private sector. Para naman mabawasan ang mga napapahamak sa mga ganitong uri ng sakuna,” he added.
President Marcos said climate change has led to extreme weather conditions that impacted critical sectors in the country.
He noted with concern that more communities previously unaffected by flooding are now experiencing it for the first time.
“Dahil nga ang panahon ay nagbabago na: ang tag-init ay sobrang init; ang tag-ulan grabe naman ang ulan, record-breaking rainfall, ika nga. Talagang extreme weather conditions,” the President said.
“May mga lugar na hindi pa binabaha kahit kailan pero lumulubog na ngayon. Sa maikli at mabilis na panahon, tumataas kaagad ang tubig dahil sa bigat ng pagbuhos ng ulan,” he added.
President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to include in their prayers families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon.
“Kaya’t ngayong Undas, bukod sa ating mga yumaong mahal sa buhay, ay isama na rin natin ang ating panalangin para sa mga biktima at nasalanta ng sakunang ito,” the President said. (PND)
