By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Sunday, November 3, 2024, that the annual general appropriations act, starting with the 2025 version, should be “climate adapted and climate resilient.”
This call comes in the wake of the severe tropical storm Kristine.
Escudero emphasized the importance of preparing for future weather disturbances of similar or even greater magnitude.
“While it’s easy to point fingers at agencies or individuals supposedly responsible for the massive destruction and loss of life caused by tropical storm Kristine, it would be more productive to focus on preparation for future weather events,” he said.
“Addressing this issue also includes studying climate change and climate adaptation. We can no longer take a one-size-fits-all approach with our flood control programs,” the Senate chief added.
He noted that the design of flood control infrastructure, such as seawalls and river control systems, has remained unchanged for decades and many of these structures are no longer suitable under current conditions.
“Hindi puwede na dahil ganito ang ginagawa natin noon, ganyan pa rin tayo ngayon. Dahil sa pagbabago ng panahon at climate change, kailangan mag-adapt at magbago tayo.”
ia/mnm
