Minority Leader Calls for Budget Realignment
Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan urged the House of Representatives to realign portions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026. He emphasized the need to prioritize flood control projects and disaster resilience initiatives to better protect vulnerable communities.
During Monday’s plenary session, Libanan delivered his turno en contra speech, stressing the importance of allocating sufficient funds to complete ongoing flood control efforts. “Dapat tapusin natin ang mga proyekto sa flood control at bigyang unahin ang mga disaster resilience programs,” he said, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Importance of Flood Control Projects
Officials reported that flood control projects remain unfinished in several critical areas, exposing residents to recurring flooding risks. Realigning the national budget to address these gaps could significantly reduce the impact of natural disasters, which have become more frequent due to climate change.
Local leaders noted that investing in disaster resilience not only safeguards lives but also strengthens the economy by preventing costly damages. They urged lawmakers to consider these factors when deliberating the 2026 budget.
Disaster Resilience as a National Priority
Community members said that aside from flood control, broader disaster resilience initiatives must be integrated into the budget. This includes early warning systems, emergency response capabilities, and infrastructure improvements designed to withstand extreme weather events.
“Hindi lang sapat na may flood control; kailangang holistically tayong maghanda sa mga sakuna,” a local official remarked. Such comprehensive planning is vital to protect millions of Filipinos from future calamities.
Call for Transparent Budget Allocation
Sources said transparency and accountability in budget allocation are essential to ensure that funds reach the intended projects. Libanan called on the House to scrutinize spending plans carefully and prioritize programs that yield tangible benefits in disaster mitigation.
As the national budget moves through legislative processes, stakeholders continue to advocate for a more focused approach that addresses the pressing needs of flood control and disaster resilience across the country.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
