The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) hired environmental and flood management experts to prepare the agency's flood control plans, as well as help assess locally funded flood control projects.
Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters on Wednesday, “We contacted various experts to form a working group. As you know, one of the problems we discovered was the lack of planning. We found that many flood control projects were not even planned.”
He said the agency has contacted experts such as Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David as well as experts from the University of the Philippines to form a technical working group.
Mr Dizon said the agency was preparing to move towards science-based planning supported by data-driven solutions.
“I am asking the group to examine the plans. If they say the plans are good and the various schemes will have a positive impact on flood mitigation, we will put them in the 2027 budget,” he said, adding that without experts' approval the plans will not become the agency's budget proposal for 2027.
The agency cut nearly P255 billion worth of locally funded flood control projects from its proposed 2026 budget.
“But we really need flood control projects, because many areas in the Philippines are flood prone. This time we will plan it right,” Mr. Dizon said.
The technical working group will also come up with a preliminary plan, Mr. Dizon said, adding that the agency is still waiting on the 18 major river system masterplans that are still being completed. -Ashley Erica O. jose
