Senator Highlights Coordination Gaps in Flood Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines — During a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, a senator sharply criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for its apparent lack of coordination with the Riverbasin Control Office, a government agency tasked with integrating flood control projects nationwide.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who leads the panel, emphasized the crucial role of the Riverbasin Control Office in harmonizing flood management efforts across the country. He expressed concern that this office has been excluded from planning and implementing flood control projects, calling it a significant oversight in the government’s approach.
Riverbasin Control Office’s Critical Role Overlooked
“Even if you enumerate 100 river basins to us, until and unless they are integrated with one another, which is the mandate of this office, then nothing will happen. Why is it that in the entire equation, this office did not surface? Where is it and why are we only being made aware now? It turns out you are not the regulator,” Marcoleta questioned during the hearing.
The senator underscored that the Riverbasin Control Office carries a broad mandate to integrate government policies and resources. Its mission is to ensure safe, clean water supply and effective flood control management across all river basins in the Philippines.
Concerns Over Project Fragmentation and Funding
Marcoleta criticized the DPWH for proceeding with flood control projects without consulting the Riverbasin Control Office. He also pointed out that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) continues to release funds for these projects without ensuring proper integration.
“This office actually has such a huge mandate. You just keep making projects, and you keep giving out funds, but the office that is supposed to integrate and connect all your flood control projects is apparently asleep. It turns out you don’t even consult them, and you don’t even know them,” he added.
DPWH Chief Admits Coordination Failures
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan acknowledged the lack of coordination, admitting that their department has not engaged in significant collaboration with the Riverbasin Control Office.
“Unfortunately, this is one of the challenges that we have to face — the coordination seems not to be really in the right place — I admit that we did not have any significant coordination at this point in time,” Bonoan said.
Senate Panel Demands Accountability and Cooperation
Senator Marcoleta expressed frustration, stressing that without proper coordination, the government’s flood control efforts will likely fail to achieve their goals.
“This is why this is happening. In the next hearing, we would like to know from this office why it has not coordinated with the DPWH, DBM, and all agencies that have something to do with solving flooding in the country,” he stated.
Officials and community members observe that effective flood control requires unified action and clear communication among all responsible agencies. The hearing highlighted the urgent need to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to protect vulnerable communities from flooding risks.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
