Flood Control Projects Mismatch Flood-Prone Provinces
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently highlighted a concerning mismatch between the country’s most flood-prone provinces and those receiving the most flood control projects. During a press briefing, he emphasized the need to align flood control efforts with the areas most vulnerable to flooding.
Marcos shared data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) listing the top 10 provinces with the highest number of flood control projects. Bulacan leads the list with 668 projects, followed by Cebu with 414 and Isabela with 341. Other provinces include Pangasinan, Pampanga, Albay, Leyte, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
Flood-Prone Areas Differ from Project Distribution
On the other hand, the National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines 2023-2050 identifies the most flood-prone provinces differently. Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte top this list.
“I think you will notice they don’t necessarily match,” the president remarked. He added, “Now, I’m sure there are explanations for that, but you will have to study it further. But you would intuitively say that the areas, provinces, regions, or whatever you want to do. Whatever pinaka-flood prone, ‘yun dapat pinakamaraming project.”
Regional Flood Control Project Investments
Breaking down the projects by region, Metro Manila tops with 1,058 flood control projects valued at P52.57 billion. Central Luzon follows with 1,617 projects worth P98.01 billion, while the Bicol region has 866 projects costing P49.61 billion.
“The NCR makes sense kasi ‘yung flood problem talagang nadiyan, pero titignan pa natin ‘yan,” Marcos noted, acknowledging Metro Manila’s well-known flood challenges but emphasizing further review.
Ineffective Pumping Stations Exacerbate Flooding
Another critical issue raised was the inefficiency of pumping stations. Of the DPWH’s 170 pumping station projects, 157 are located in Metro Manila, with a combined cost of P11.67 billion. Despite this, the region and nearby provinces suffered widespread flooding during the recent southwest monsoon and successive typhoons.
Marcos explained, “This really, more than anything, manifests how the pumping stations have become ineffective because of the garbage collection problem.” The buildup of trash has clogged drainage systems, reducing the effectiveness of flood mitigation infrastructure.
Public Access to Flood Control Project Information
To promote transparency and community involvement, the president introduced the Sumbong sa Pangulo website. This platform allows citizens to check on and report the status of flood control projects in their localities, encouraging public vigilance and accountability.
Local leaders and community members have welcomed this initiative, hoping it will bridge gaps between government action and on-the-ground realities.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
