President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered a holistic approach to raise public awareness on the effects of climate change in the Philippines in the aftermath of the massive flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces caused by super typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

“That’s climate change. That’s why we keep talking about it. People have to be conscious about it especially us who are trying to find ways to mitigate the problem,” President Marcos said during a situation briefing in Mauban, Quezon.

“We have no choice; we have to do something. We have to learn how to handle the new normal,” the President added, referring to how the government should respond to effects of the climate change.

President Marcos led a situation briefing on Friday on the effects of super typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon on Quezon Province, where 986 families, or 4,324 individuals, were affected.

Around 968 families temporarily stayed either in evacuation centers or with relatives or friends.

During the briefing, President Marcos lauded both the local and national governments for quickly responding to the calamity.

“At the very least, we can say that the provision of relief, shelter and healthcare are ok. We’ve been able to provide that,” President Marcos told LGUs and Cabinet members present during the briefing.

President Marcos also recognized the efforts of the national and local governments as they were able to reach isolated areas to deliver help to typhoon victims.

PND