Laurel: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday stated that flood-control projects were overwhelmed by the massive rainfall from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, also known internationally as Trami, which caused significant flooding in several areas in Luzon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos addressed concerns about the billions of pesos spent on flood control projects during a visit to Laurel, Batangas, one of the areas severely affected by the storm. He emphasized that the projects exist but were unable to manage the unprecedented rainfall. Marcos compared the storm’s impact to Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, noting that Kristine’s rainfall nearly doubled that of Ondoy, which had submerged many parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

The President attributed the intensified storms to climate change, highlighting that the changing weather patterns are now evident and impactful. He remarked on the necessity of understanding the science behind these occurrences, not just the budget allocations fo
r flood control. Marcos also expressed openness to investigations into the flood control initiatives but underscored the importance of recognizing the limitations of existing infrastructure against the strength of such storms.

In response to the disaster, the President led the distribution of government aid in Batangas. Housing materials valued at over PHP3 million were provided to 200 families, facilitated by Metrobank and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. Additionally, PHP10 million was allocated to the local government of Laurel, part of a larger PHP60 million aid package distributed to six heavily affected towns in the province. Ten selected beneficiaries also received PHP10,000 in cash assistance.