Jamayka Rhose Pascual

As tropical cyclones continue to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the need to adapt strategies for handling these storms.

Photos Courtesy of Presidential Communications Office/PAGASA.

In an interview on November 11, Marcos acknowledged the challenges posed by increasingly unpredictable typhoons entering the PAR.

“We don’t have a textbook to follow. We don’t have a template to follow. It is climate change, and it is the new reality that we are having to face,” he stated.

Marcos then assured the public that the government is on high alert, continuously monitoring the evolving situation and preparing response measures.

“So, this is what we are monitoring now. We are trying to see what the damages are that we have to go in already,” Marcos said.

He added that national response teams are prepared to deploy as soon as conditions allow.

Marcos also urged the public to heed warnings and instructions from local government units and authorities.

He reiterated that responding to climate-driven storms requires adaptability and a coordinated effort among government agencies.

“[We’re] trying to keep watch, making sure that everybody is safe. We have done some initial evacuations already. So, we just try to stay safe. So, everyone please listen to your local government and authorities who tell you what to do. As soon as the national government can come in, we will come in,” he added.

Marcos admitted that the situation is a “little complicated,” given the strength and potential impact of the tropical cyclones expected to affect the country.

“Generally speaking, kapag nagkaroon tayo ng bagyo, ibig sabihin, ito ‘yung nasira, ito yung kailangang gawin, ayusin muna natin lahat iyan. Ngayon, sinasabi natin, mag-isip isip tayo kasi kung aayusin natin tapos sisirain na naman ng susunod na bagyo, sayang lang ‘yung ating ginawa so kailangan nating magplano,” he said.

As of the evening of November 11, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Typhoon Nika has weakened into a severe tropical storm.

Nika will continue to move west-northwest over the West Philippine Sea and is expected to exit the PAR by Tuesday morning.

However, two additional tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, to be named Ofel and Pepito.