MMDA NO MASTER PLAN FOR FLOODING, P1 TRILLION SPENT ON PH FLOOD CONTROL

The widespread flooding that recently hit Metro Manila was blamed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on the insufficient drainage system and improper waste management practices. But then, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) admitted that the Philippines has no integrated flood control master plan over the years.

Flood control projects in the country seems to be pointed out after massive flooding recently (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said that the current efforts to address flooding were rehabilitation and construction of pumping stations. As well as installation of trash traps along waterways, dredging, desilting, and declogging of drainage system and removal of slits and solid wastes. However, cleaning of esteros and dumping of garbage is a vicious cycle. 

Artes also said that the agency has been actively working on the approved budget, P2.72 billion for flood control, P2.26 billion for capital outlay, and P395.57 million for the maintenance and operation of 71 pumping stations.

5,500 completed flood control projects have been mentioned on Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan said that these immediate relief projects engineering interventions all over the country were not part of an integrated master plan. 

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Revilla and other lawmakers investigation on Senate Committee on Public Works discovered that the budget of DPWH grows yearly and the Philippines have already spent P1 trillion on flood control.

“It was only P42 billion in 2015, but it will swell to almost P244.57 billion in 2024. It grew by over P200 billion. And in less than 10 years, you have a trillion budget for floods," Revilla mentioned.

"The primordial question is really whether the DPWH has made reference to a flood control master plan for the 18 major river basins in the country. Does this exist? Do we actually have a master plan? Until today we have no answer with regard to this master plan," added Senator Imee Marcos.

Source: Philippine Star 

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