Philippines: Govt allots P5B for flood mitigation projects
Quezon City -- The Aquino administration has allotted P5 billion for high-impact flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In a statement, the Department of Budget and Management said these projects are for the implementation of a flood management master plan in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Based on the flood management master plan the DPWH, together with Metro Manila Development Authority and concerned local government units, will “execute flood risk and drainage management projects in target areas to avert the destructive effects caused by floods in recent years.”
It is also the government’s roadmap for the implementation of a long-term mitigation master plan until 2035.
“President Aquino has instructed us to address the urgent flooding problem as swiftly as possible, particularly in Metro Manila and other nearby high-risk provinces. The recently approved allotment will support the implementation of a flood management master plan in these areas, where floodwaters begin to rise even with moderate rainshowers,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.
The statement also said that the fund appropriation was confirmed by Arsenio M. Balicasan, National Economic and Development Authority chief, in a NEDA Board meeting.
It said the fund will be divided among 15 projects, which were prioritized based on several key factors that include degree of flood risk and viability of implementing the technical, social and environmental aspects of the plan.
Among these flood-management projects are the strengthening and restoration of the Manila Bay seawall, the Upper Marikina River Improvement, construction of Parapet Wall along Nangka River, breakwater construction in Navotas, pumping stations in Malabon and Navotas and the continuing construction of the Polder Dike in Obando, Bulacan.
Moreover, similar projects will also be implemented in flood-prone areas in Region 3 and Region 4A.
“We are keenly aware of the devastation caused by floods, not just on the infrastructure and agricultural systems in affected areas, but also on the country’s socio-economic growth. Even more pressing is the danger posed by flood-related disasters on human life, with casualties and injured individuals numbering in the thousands year after year. These flood management projects should help us ensure the well-being of many at-risk Filipinos—and allow us to sustain our economic growth—even in the face of national disasters,” Abad said.
(PIA-Central)