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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Unified, science-led flood control sought amid worsening floods

Unified, science-led flood control sought amid worsening floods

Published Aug 31, 2025 02:48 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
With floods swamping communities across the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has called for government agencies to anchor flood control programs on science and data, stressing that lives and livelihoods are at stake.
On Saturday, August 30, local authorities reported a “phenomenal” downpour dumped 121 millimeters of rain in just one hour, overwhelming Quezon City’s drainage system and flooding at least 36 barangays. 
“DOST can provide the science and technology to make sure that these things are mapped well and the data are used in planning,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said on Thursday, August 28, during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in General Santos City.
Flooding, according to him, cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach, as each river or sub-river basin poses different risks. 
“You see, it is not simple. All these should use science as basis for planning,” he pointed out.
The DOST chief explained that the agency can provide digital elevation models and forecasting tools to help planners assess whether rivers and drainage systems can withstand heavier rains fueled by climate change and rapid urbanization.
Solidum warned that poorly planned construction projects often worsen flooding in nearby areas. 
“You build a road; you elevate a subdivision by 10 meters — that’s basically a dam if there’s no proper drainage. The water has nowhere to go,” Solidum stressed.
This is why, he added, flood control projects should be tied into a Geographic Information System (GIS) map to give local governments and developers a clearer picture of how new infrastructure will affect surrounding communities.
“This is what we should be thinking of — what the effect of the current project to the next flood is,” he stated.
Local governments on the frontline
Solidum underscored the need to strengthen the role of local governments in addressing flood risks, citing France as an example where local governments lead in flood management while the national government provides strong support.
The Philippines, he said, must also examine how national and local agencies coordinate, ensuring a unified, science-led strategy that protects vulnerable communities.
“Flooding is not just an engineering problem,” Solidum said. 
“It’s a people’s problem. Science can give us the tools, but planning and coordination will make sure communities are safe.”
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