President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to offer prayers this All Saints’ Day for victims of recent tropical cyclones Kristine and Leon, which have devastated parts of the Philippines. Speaking in his vlog, Marcos highlighted the struggles faced by many Filipinos in the aftermath of these storms. “Many of our fellow Filipinos are experiencing a huge challenge because of the previous tropical cyclones,” he said. “This All Saints’ Day, aside from our departed loved ones, let us also pray for the victims of these natural calamities.”
Marcos noted that over a hundred lives were lost and thousands of families were displaced, with numerous individuals still missing. The damage from these natural disasters, he added, underscores the urgent need to adapt infrastructure planning to better withstand climate-related risks. “Many changes in infrastructure planning are needed,” he emphasized, acknowledging the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
Reports indicate that a total of 207 towns and 29 cities in 14 provinces have declared a state of calamity due to the recent cyclones. As of early Friday morning, PAGASA confirmed that Tropical Storm Leon had exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility after weakening to a severe tropical storm.
Marcos also joined Filipino Catholics in commemorating All Saints’ Day, encouraging a time of reflection. “May these days of reflection rekindle in us the desire to be better, for each other and for our beloved country,” he shared.
