The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should evaluate its own flood control projects in light of the flooding situation in Bulacan and Pampanga following the heavy rains that battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said.
Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go (Photo courtesy O/S Bong Go)
Go said it is imperative for the DPWH to reveal its flood control master plan, considering the critical state of the nation’s vulnerability to floods.
The senator also expressed his support to the Senate Committee on Public Works’ plan to conduct an investigation into the unresolved flooding problems in the country and require the presence of DPWH and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials.
“Dapat mayroong master plan. Wag lang po kung saan n’yo ilalagay ‘yung mga flood control, dapat ilatag ng maayos. Ako po ay sang-ayon dito kung kailangang ipatawag ang DPWH, para ilatag nila (There should be a masterplan. They shouldn’t just be laying out flood control anywhere they want, these should be laid out properly. I do agree we need to call for the DPWH so they can disclose this),” said Go.
“Ano ba talaga ang plano ninyo? Saan ‘yung plano? Saan ‘yung priority? Para maiwasan at ‘di na maulit itong pagbabaha (What are their plans? Where are these plans? What is their priority? That is, so we can prevent more flooding),” he added.
“Dapat ipatawag ang DPWH, ang dami n’yo pong mga flood control projects sa buong Pilipinas at napapanahon na ilatag nyo ito po (We should summon the DPWH; they have so many flood control projects in the whole Philippines and it’s high-time they lay out these plans),” the lawmaker stressed.
Go also said he wants a review of DPWH’s prioritization strategy for its flood control program.
The senator said it is also imperative for the government, particularly the DPWH, to have a developmental plan to resolve the flooding issue, citing that city planning also have an important role in improving infrastructure to mitigate flood risks.
He also stressed the need for the DPWH to coordinate closely with the local government units in its flood control planning and development and infrastructure improvement.
Go also urged the DPWH to appear in the Senate hearing to clarify its strategy to ensure no public fund would be wasted on flood control projects.
"Kaya nga (That’s why) they should explain it to the public. Flood control is part of the DPWH’s mandate, aside from managing the country’s highways,” Go stressed.