In the aftermath of the severe impacts from El Niño and La Niña, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken decisive steps to aid recovery and enhance the Philippines’ resilience against future natural disasters. The country, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Cyclone Belt, faces significant risks from natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and landslides, affecting a large portion of its land and population.
During the peak of El Niño in May, drought affected 61 provinces, while 17 experienced dry spells and three faced dry conditions. The agricultural and fisheries sectors were hit hard, with damages amounting to PHP9.89 billion by June 6. The rice sector alone suffered losses of PHP4.75 billion, followed by corn, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry, and cassava.
To mitigate the effects of El Niño, President Marcos spearheaded the distribution of financial aid to farmers and fisherfolk across the nation through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program. This initiative, complemented by support from other government agencies, provided PHP906 million to over 90,000 beneficiaries in various regions from May 9 to June 5. Additional support included farm inputs, alternative livelihoods, and technologies to help those affected recover.
The government also allocated PHP659.17 million in production support to 18,838 beneficiaries by June 6. Further financial assistance was extended to the Davao Region, Caraga Region, Aurora province, Palawan, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and the Ilocos Region, totaling nearly PHP1.5 billion.
The Philippines faced another challenge with six strong tropical cyclones hitting the country in less than a month between October and November. President Marcos attributed these back-to-back storms to climate change and promptly directed government agencies to enhance relief and response efforts, visiting affected areas and distributing essential aid.
In response to the recurring climate-related disasters, President Marcos emphasized the importance of building modern, climate-resilient infrastructure. He instructed agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to revise flood control master plans and ensure construction materials meet high standards for quality, safety, and climate adaptability.
The Marcos administration has been actively constructing flood control projects to improve drainage and prevent flooding in vulnerable areas. Over 5,500 such projects were completed between July 2022 and May 2024. Additionally, the government plans to use excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to support infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges connecting islands and managing flood risks in major regions.
To better support disaster victims, President Marcos signed Republic Act 12076, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, on December 6. This law mandates the establishment of a nationwide network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers capable of withstanding typhoon winds up to 300 kph and seismic activity up to magnitude 8.0. These centers will be equipped with essential facilities and prioritize high-risk areas.
President Marcos also expressed support for public-private partnerships in disaster risk reduction, following recommendations from the Private Sector Advisory Council – Infrastructure Sector Group. He endorsed pre-agreements with local construction companies for post-disaster debris clearing and repairs, aiming to enhance the speed and efficiency of government responses to future calamities.