Government Urged to Pursue Long-Term Flood Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the government allocating a daily budget of P1.4 billion for flood control projects, officials and experts urge a shift toward sustainable, long-term solutions. Flood control projects remain critical as Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon recently suffered severe flooding caused by the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Crising (locally called Wipha) and the southwest monsoon, known as habagat.
These weather events forced hundreds of families to evacuate, highlighting the urgent need for more effective flood management. “It is disheartening that our flood problem is getting worse every year, even though the government is spending more and more money to solve it almost every year,” a local senator said in a recent statement.
Reviewing Existing Flood Control Projects and Strategies
The senator called for a thorough review of current flood control projects and questioned if the recommendations from publicly funded feasibility studies are truly being put into practice. This reflection aims to ensure that investments translate to real, measurable improvements in flood prevention and mitigation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture reported significant agricultural damage due to the heavy rains and flooding. Preliminary estimates reveal losses exceeding P130 million, affecting rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, and poultry.
“Affected areas cover over 8,000 hectares, impacting more than 6,000 farmers and fisherfolk,” the department added, noting that these figures are still being validated.
Infrastructure Damage and Waste Management Issues
As of early evening, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council assessed infrastructure damage at around P421 million caused by the storms and a low-pressure area. The growing destruction underscores the pressing need for sustainable flood control projects that address underlying causes rather than temporary fixes.
“What is needed is not a one-off project but a long-term solution to the continuing worsening flooding in many areas of the country,” the senator emphasized in Filipino.
He also highlighted the crucial role of waste management, noting that poor garbage disposal worsens flooding. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier pointed to clogged drains filled with trash as a major factor, urging the public to practice discipline.
After the floods, reports showed trash scattered along streets and waterways, including bulky items like old refrigerators and sofas. During a recent briefing, the MMDA chair described the country’s drainage system as outdated and inadequate, especially when blocked by such debris.
“Our drainage system is already small and outdated—it’s more than 50 years old,” the official said in Filipino, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure modernization alongside better community cooperation.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
