DPWH: Public help needed versus flood

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) remains committed to implementing infrastructure projects in the country but stressed that active public participation is one of the keys to effective flood mitigation.

DPWH Director Alex Bote, in a news forum over the weekend, said that they remain committed to implementing infrastructure projects to help build resilient and sustainable communities.

The DPWH is one of the government line agencies leading the implementation of some Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) of the Marcos administration under the “Build, Better, More.”

There are a total of 186 IFPs with a projected total cost of P9.6 trillion. They are expected to improve physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, power and energy, education, and more.

Of the figure, four are already completed, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Aside from this, 67 projects are ongoing, 30 are approved for implementation, five are for government approval, 37 are under project preparation, and 43 are under pre-project implementation.

According to Bote, the DPWH is currently leading at least 30 flagship projects from the said list.

“DPWH will continue to implement various programs that will make communities resilient and sustainable,”Bote said.

However, in terms of flood mitigation, Bote stressed that active public participation is a key element to it. Flood mitigation should be a concerted effort between the government and the public, Bote said.

The public can help reduce the risk of flood through proper waste management and disposal, Bote said.

“We do need a combination of all efforts, not only from the government side, but also doon sa mga kasamahan natin,  kapwa ka-masa natin,  na be careful lang po sa pagma-manage ng mga waste materials natin,” Bote said.

Bote explained that while flood control structures are capable of handling a specific volume of water based on its engineering design, its efficiency can be diminished because of waste materials clogging the systems.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on DPWH to ensure flood control projects are durable, and climate resilient. He issued the order following the series of typhoons that caused severe flooding in some parts of the country after taking note that existing flood control measures were not enough. — (FREEMAN)