DAVAO CITY – With flooding here growing more severe, a councilor has proposed an inter-agency flood control task force, saying infrastructure projects alone cannot keep this city safe from future disasters.

Speaking before the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos' media forum at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Councilor Alberto Ungab noted that flooding has become more severe compared to five years ago.

The Committee on Appointments and Government Reorganization and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chairperson said that flooding incidents have become far-reaching.

"You know, the problem with many people is that they think only infrastructure can solve flood problems. Flooding now is totally different (compared to previous years)," Ungab said.

Ungab recalled a similar initiative introduced in 2016 under the Department of Public Works and Highways but after three meetings, the program stalled.

The councilor urged the city government to revive and lead the flood control task force to avoid blame-shifting among agencies when floods occur.

He explained that many of the city's waterways originate outside Davao, and coordinating with other provinces is essential, citing the Davao River, which originates from San Fernando in Bukidnon.

"Another one, the tributaries of the Talomo River come from North Cotabato. We do not have control over the waterways. But we have control over the exit, thus, there is a need for a task force," Ungab said.

He said the proposed responsibilities of the task force are identifying the causes of flooding in specific areas, determining flood-prone zones, and distinguishing between localized flooding and large-scale river overflows.

The councilor added that localized flooding, often caused by silted drainage, can be resolved quickly, but river overflows are considered the most devastating.

Ungab said that the proposal remains in the early stages. He said that the DRRM committee is prioritizing the development of a multi-hazard emergency warning system that will alert residents in case of disasters.

"We are still on the drawing board because I proposed the interagency flood control task force last week. We cannot do that immediately. We have to finish first what is on board now on the committee," he said.

Ungab said that the comprehensive multi-hazard emergency warning system would warn Davao City residents in case of earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.

He pushed for the institutionalization of disaster volunteers, which is mandated under national law but has yet to be fully implemented here. He said they should have benefits such as insurance for their protection.

Ungab emphasized that all city funds are always subject to accounting and auditing rules, but at least the city can protect the DRRM volunteers in times of emergency.

The councilor's proposal comes as Davao City and other parts of the country grapple with flooding concerns, underscoring the need for coordinated action to mitigate future disasters.