
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) to boost the search for technology and design in building climate-resilient shelters.
“Sa DHSUD at sa NHA, inaasahan ko na palalawigin pa ninyo ang pagtuklas at paggamit ng mga disenyo ng pabahay na mas matibay pa, mas angkop sa pagbabago ng klima at hamon ng panahon,” President Marcos said in his speech.
President Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of eight completed permanent housing projects in Leyte, Samar and Biliran at the Cool Spring Residences in Barangay Arado, Burauen Leyte.
The President emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to implementing measures to minimize the effects of natural disasters, such as flood mitigation through the Leyte Tide Embankment Project.
President Marcos hoped the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could complete the project on time, noting that 50 percent of the undertaking is already finished.
For the entire country, President Marcos highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring that the designs of flood control projects are more robust to withstand heavy rains and flooding.
The DPWH has been instructed to closely review the funds and projects to ensure all initiatives are completed on schedule, he said.
He said the Philippines has been tasked to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board in 2024, an opportunity for the country to secure sufficient funding for important projects and programs.
The government has also strengthened the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM), improving information gathering and response efforts during disasters, he added.
“Bilang pangunahing hakbang, nagtatayo tayo ng mga imprastruktura na magsisilbing proteksyon at sentro ng ating mga operasyon. Isa rito ang pagtatatag ng evacuation [centers] at Disaster Response Command Center na tatayong sentro ng ating paghahatid-tulong,” the President said. | PND