Marcos eyes long-term solutions to Luzon floods
Credit to Author: Ramon Efren Lazaro| Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — The construction of a water impounding facility in Pampanga as well as the creation of a water resources management agency are among long-term measures being considered by President Marcos to address massive flooding in Luzon.
Citing the need to prevent floods and to prepare for the effects of climate change and El Niño, Marcos yesterday said the water resources management department would handle matters related to flood control, irrigation, fresh water supply and distribution.
While waiting for the enactment of a law establishing the agency, the President has created a water management office in the executive branch.
The department, he said, would also handle water impounding projects in accordance with the government’s master plan.
The President previously announced plans to build water impounding facilities in areas outside of Metro Manila to mitigate floods and collect water for agriculture and other purposes.
Last April, Marcos signed Executive Order 22 establishing the Water Resources Management Office, a body tasked to integrate all government efforts to ensure the sustainable management of the country’s water resources.
The President was briefed yesterday by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando on the province’s flood situation at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos.
Fernando presented to the President the causes and possible solutions to the flooding due to the rains dumped by Typhoons Egay and Falcon, enhanced by the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, the government is looking to build a water impounding facility in Candaba, Pampanga to address perennial flooding in the province.
Marcos stressed that the location of the water impounding facility is “not a political decision, but it is a decision made for us by nature.”
Former public works secretary Rogelio Singson made the proposal during a situation briefing presided over by the Chief Executive in San Fernando City.
Based on Singson’s recommendation, the government will secure or buy around 200 hectares or 10 percent of the 2,000-hectare swamp land in Candaba to build a water impounding area to prevent flooding in low-lying areas.
Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc, who attended the briefing, rejected Singson’s proposal and threatened to walk out, saying the plan could displace farmers in the area.
Marcos allayed fears of some local officials who are opposing the planned construction amid fears on its impact on people’s livelihood, particularly palay farmers. Candaba is a major rice producer in the region.
The President yesterday led the distribution of aid for flood victims in Pampanga, which has been placed under a state of calamity since July 31.
The President handed P12.8 million worth of assistance to 1,600 flood victims who gathered at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.
Of that amount, the President handed P10,000 and food packs to 1,000 people for a total of P10 million under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
The Chief Executive also distributed P2.3 million or P4,600 each to 500 people under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers).
A total of 100 people received P5,000 each from the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program.
“Your government is here and always ready to help all who are in need,” the President assured his audience of 1,600 people.
In a meeting with Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda, Reps. Gloria Mapacagal-Arroyo and Anna York Bondoc and town mayors, Marcos handed checks worth P15 million to the provincial government and P37 million to local governments, or a total of P64.8 million. — Ric Sapnu, Helen Flores