Credits: CBC
MANILA– Despite years of significant funding for flood control, the Philippines still lacks an integrated flood control master plan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed during a Senate hearing on Thursday.
DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan clarified that the 5,500 completed flood control projects mentioned in the recent State of the Nation Address were not part of a comprehensive plan but were standalone efforts to provide immediate relief to flood-prone areas. These projects were initiated under the previous administration but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These are immediate engineering interventions across the country that are not included in a master plan. They are standalone projects aimed at providing quick relief to low-lying areas,” Bonoan explained.
Senator Joel Villanueva expressed concern, stating, “The 5,500 projects highlighted by the president were merely piecemeal efforts. They haven’t effectively contributed to a broader solution since they are not part of an integrated strategy.”
Bonoan acknowledged that master plans for the country’s 18 major river basins are still under development, noting that they are being updated to address the impacts of climate change and other factors.
Senator Imee Marcos pointed out the absence of a national flood control master plan, to which Bonoan conceded that while there were previous master plans, they are currently being updated. He noted, “It’s very telling that an integrated master plan does not exist.”
Villanueva emphasized the necessity of an integrated approach, warning that without it, flood mitigation in one area might exacerbate flooding in neighboring regions.
The Philippines has 421 principal rivers, including 18 major rivers where the river basins are located. Bonoan assured that ongoing projects initiated by the previous administration are being expanded to enhance the country’s flood management capabilities.
However, Bonoan admitted that key flood control projects in Bulacan and Pampanga, previously scheduled to start this year, are still in the planning stages. He explained that detailed design work for such megaprojects takes time and requires on-ground assessments.
Looking forward, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has directed the creation of a comprehensive and integrated flood management program, including water impounding facilities. This directive was confirmed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who also noted a decrease in government spending on reforestation initiatives.
Loyzaga mentioned that the National Greening Program’s budget has been reduced over time, with the current P2.4 billion allocation being split between greening initiatives and protected area management.
Senator Marcos criticized the budget as insufficient, questioning how it could effectively address the challenges of managing 421 rivers, 18 major river basins, and numerous coastal zones. “With such a meager budget, it seems implausible to manage the extensive areas under your jurisdiction,” she said.