President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to strengthen building and infrastructure standards as part of efforts to improve the country’s ability to withstand natural disasters.
Marcos issued the directive during his eighth meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Infrastructure Sector Group at Malacañan Palace on September 9.
According to Malacañang, the meeting focused on measures to make infrastructure more durable and strengthen water security, including tighter requirements for construction and building materials, improved disaster preparedness, flood-control systems, and better management of water resources.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the discussions covered several areas involving infrastructure safety and resilience.
“Kabilang sa mga paksa sa nasabing PSAC meeting ang structural resilience and building safety; quality and safety of imported cement; disaster resilience and flood management; and water security and infrastructure resilience,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
Castro said stronger cooperation between the government and private sector could help improve the safety and durability of infrastructure nationwide.
“Sa tulong ng pinagsamang kilos ng pamahalaan at mga rekomendasyon ng private sector, inaasahang magiging mas ligtas at matibay ang ating mga imprastraktura laban sa mga sakuna gamit ang building materials na mas mataas ang kalidad,” Castro added.
Among the projects and measures discussed were the clearing of the Manggahan Floodway, the proposed Parañaque Spillway, and programs designed to improve the country’s preparedness for drought.
The government is also looking to speed up critical water projects by streamlining approval procedures, with the initiatives intended to reduce flooding in communities around Laguna de Bay and southern Metro Manila.
The measures are likewise aimed at improving national water security and climate resilience by addressing threats linked to flooding, drought, and other water-related impacts of climate change.
Castro said Marcos instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to maintain high standards for construction and ensure that structures remain safe and sound during disasters.
The DPWH was also tasked with updating master plans for major river basins, reviewing the proposed Parañaque City spillway, and expediting water supply projects in areas severely affected by El Niño.
The administration expects the PSAC recommendations to result in stronger and safer infrastructure, reduced flood risks for communities near Laguna de Bay and southern Metro Manila, and improved water security and climate resilience across the country.