The country’s dam protocols should be updated "based on science" and should be linked to effective early warning systems for communities at risk of floods to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties and livelihood, Deputy Speaker Antique Rep. Loren Legarda said Thursday.
(FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The House leader made the call as she filed House Resolution No. 1363 urging the House Sub-Committee on the New Normal to conduct a probe on the massive flooding caused by typhoon “Ulysses” in relation to the enforcement of and compliance of environmental, climate change adpatation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction and management laws by national government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
"I would like to proceed with the inquiry. I would like to see dam protocols updated based on science, I would like to see a stop to any form of illegal logging,” she told ANC Headstart in an interview when asked if criminal charges should be filed against the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) over the massive flooding in Cagayan when Ulysses hit Luzon.
“I would like to see implementation of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000). I would like to see early warning systems to the last time no matter how low-tech, and using indigenous, natural way,” she added.
According to the former senator, criminal liability will come after such investigation is done.
“Ayaw ko po magsalita kung sino dapat husgahan, kasi sa tingin ko ay kaya natin ito. Let us just based our decisions on science and follow it,” Loren said.
(I don’t want to pinpoint those who should be held liable, because I think, we can resolve this together. Let us just based our decisions on science and follow it)
“So much needs to be done and I am blaming anyone that is why I revisit dam protocols and the coordination and convergence among these government agencies with the local governments and people themselves must be stronger,” she pointed out.
Loren stressed that the dam protocols should be adjusted to climate risk scenarios and should include measures for pre-emptive safe discharge of water.
“We ask them (dam operators) kelan ninyo ba ulit inupdate ang protocol ninyo. Nung panahon na inupdate ang protocol ninyo, ano ang bagsak ng tubig ulan at nun panahon 'yun ba ang kabundukan ay ganyan kakalbo and may sapat ba kayo early warning, Facebook eh pano kung walang kuryente, meron bang sirena?” she asked.
(We ask them when did you update your protocol. When you updated your protocol, what was the the measurement of the rainfall and during that time, the mountains were that denuded, and do you have enough early warning, Facebook, what if there was no power, was there a siren?)
She noted that the Operation, Maintenance, and Safety Manual for the Magat Dam issued on Oct. 31, 2007 by the NIA emphasized that “there is no provision for the storage of flood water in the Magat Reservoir unless the reservoir is below full supply level when flood arrives."
"The protocols need to be revised in such a way that they address first and foremost, flood mitigation and risk reduction principles and objectives,” she said.
"Updated dam protocols and improved coordination among disaster preparedness agencies and dam operators must serve their purpose of reducing, and not worsening, disaster impacts,” she stressed.
Under HR 1363, Loren urged the House of Representatives to conduct a review on protocols followed by dam operators to ensure that the measures for improved management of dams are adjusted to climate risk scenarios, including pre-emptive safe discharge of water, and linked to effective really warning systems for communities at risk of floods, to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties and livelihood in the event that massive water discharge are resorted to.