Marcos Stresses Typhoon Preparedness as the "New Normal"

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

In a stark reminder of shifting climate realities, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared that typhoon impacts, particularly flooding, should no longer be viewed as extraordinary occurrences. Speaking at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, he urged the nation to adapt to this "new normal".

Marcos highlighted that massive flooding, once considered rare and exceptional, must now be anticipated as a regular event. He emphasised the urgent need for long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies, pointing out that typhoons strike the Philippines regularly, with increasing intensity.

"The days of treating massive flooding as a special situation are over," Marcos stated. He called for a change in mindset, urging both the government and the public to prepare for frequent and severe storms. "This is not an extraordinary situation anymore. This is the new normal," he asserted.

Marcos emphasised the importance of mitigation measures, including robust flood control systems. However, he noted that adaptation is crucial to address ongoing challenges. He stated, "Storms are coming more quickly and with greater strength, dumping more water on us."

Drawing parallels with global climate events, Marcos referenced severe weather incidents in Texas and India, underscoring the global nature of climate change impacts. "We see it all over the world. The climate has changed, and rain patterns have shifted," he said, urging government agencies to remain vigilant and well-prepared.

Acknowledging the satisfactory response of the government so far, Marcos directed agencies to continue their efforts in response, relief operations, and weather monitoring. However, he stressed that solutions must be long-term and systematic, moving away from informal, ad hoc approaches.

“We must think in terms of changing how we approach these problems,” he advised, emphasising that future preparedness plans should be comprehensive and sustainable.

By addressing these perennial issues with foresight and dedication, Marcos hopes to fortify the nation against the increasing challenges posed by climate change. His call to action is an urgent reminder of the ongoing efforts required to navigate this evolving environmental landscape.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-07-24