President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve the slope protection designs of all road networks in the Philippines to better suit the country’s 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,” Marcos Jr. said during Monday’s distribution of assistance in Talisay, Batangas.
His directive comes after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused infrastructure damage in Batangas, including the Bugaan Bridge (also called Bayuyungan Bridge) in Laurel, its slope protection, and a road in Agoncillo.
The affected road networks are part of the Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo national road, which is the only major road connecting Agoncillo, Lemery, and nearby towns. The damage has cut off access to some barangays, making it difficult for emergency response teams to reach them.
“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,” the President said.
He also instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that all materials used meet high-quality standards.IMT
