President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. traveled to Bicol on Saturday to assess the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which left large areas submerged, triggered mass evacuations, and inflicted severe damage on infrastructure and agriculture. Accompanied by cabinet members and local officials, Marcos visited evacuees at Naga City Hall, assuring them of the government’s swift response to their immediate needs.
“Dumaan lang po ako para makita ‘yong mga dala namin na tulong at lahat kayo na kailangang mag-evacuate dahil nakalubog pa ang ibang bahay ninyo,” Marcos told residents, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support those affected.
Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion reported that floodwaters had reached up to 12 feet, submerging 22 of the city’s 27 barangays. “Unprecedented po ito, first time na mangyari sa aming lungsod,” Legacion said, adding that although waters had receded in most areas, some spots remained chest-deep, with ongoing rescue operations necessitating more boats.
Albay acting Governor Gwen Ong Bongao disclosed that over 92,000 families were evacuated in the province, with more than 500 houses completely destroyed. The total damage to infrastructure reached an estimated P1.3 billion, while agricultural losses amounted to P10 million. Bongao highlighted the urgent need to relocate families in flood-prone areas.
Marcos underscored the importance of focusing on long-term flood prevention projects, particularly the Bicol River Basin Project, noting that the storm’s unprecedented flooding reflects the worsening impacts of climate change. “We have to revisit it now. Iba na ang conditions ngayon,” he stated, emphasizing the need for enhanced flood control infrastructure.
Both Naga City and Albay received P30 million and P50 million in financial assistance, respectively, from the Office of the President, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development mobilized additional food packs for evacuees.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense, the storm has resulted in 81 reported deaths, 66 injuries, and 34 missing persons across affected regions, with ongoing efforts to validate and respond to all reports.
