The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may halt several ongoing flood control projects, Secretary Vince Dizon said Monday, October 27.
The decision follows findings that some projects were poorly planned and, instead of preventing floods, have worsened flooding in nearby communities.
Dizon said several dikes and drainage structures have become “part of the problem,” as they “restrict the flow of water,” “reduce the capacity of waterways,” or “speed up water movement,” intensifying flooding in affected areas.
He added that the DPWH is reviewing these projects and will act once there is “enough data and evidence” showing their “net harmful effects” on residents and the environment.
To prevent future issues, the DPWH is collaborating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Water Resources Management Office (DENR–WRMO), the University of the Philippines, Project NOAH, and hydrologist Professor Guillermo Tabios to design science-based and nature-based flood control projects.
“We need to put order and science into this,” Dizon said, noting that earlier flood control efforts involved “very little to no science.”
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.