The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is eyeing to integrate its flood control management programs with other sectors for efficient water management and conservation.
In a Palace press briefing after a sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Secretary Manuel Bonoan revealed that there would be a signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to incorporate flood control measures into both infrastructure development and environmental management.
“I believe it is safe to incorporate our flood control management initiatives with other sectors to ensure that the water we manage for flood control does not end up indirectly flowing into the sea,” said Bonoan.
“Moreover, we should strive to conserve and utilize this water for various purposes, such as irrigation, water supply, and even power generation if required,” he added.
The secretary emphasized the importance of improving the development of additional structures required for irrigation, water supply, and power generation, as the department's long-term budget for flood control projects is experiencing significant growth.
“This is a clear directive from the President to ensure the integration of all these components, especially in the department's significant flood control projects that we have been working on,” said Bonoan.
Bonoan stated that the President has instructed the implementation of an integrated water resource management program for irrigation, water supply, and power.
Its total budget for flood control projects, both foreign-assisted and locally funded, exceeds P300 billion, making it a substantial source for this initiative, said Bonoan.