The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is organizing a summit to address the ongoing flooding issues in Western Visayas with a focus on integrated and sustainable solutions.
Civil Defense and RDRRMC chair Raul Fernandez explained on Tuesday, September 30, that the idea for the summit came after visits to areas where local governments have proposed flood control projects such as floodwalls and seawalls.
While these projects are common, Fernandez pointed out that they are costly and often fail to provide long-term effectiveness.
He emphasized the need for a more holistic approach, combining nature-based solutions with advanced technology.
The RDRRMC is considering a “ridge-to-reef” strategy, which would protect both upland areas from landslides and floods and use natural coastal barriers like mangroves instead of relying solely on seawalls.
The council has scheduled a planning meeting for Wednesday to organize the summit, with the goal of holding it by the end of the year. Fernandez stressed the urgency of the situation, urging stakeholders to come together and address the flooding issue head-on.
Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRM) Cornelio Salinas also brought up the summit during the RDRRMC’s third-quarter full council meeting.
He proposed that the summit should result in a comprehensive master plan for flood control, ensuring that various local government projects are well-coordinated.
Salinas pointed to ongoing flood control projects in Iloilo City’s Jaro and La Paz districts, as well as in the municipality of Pavia.
He suggested that the region may need to establish floodways in downstream areas to manage floodwaters more effectively and protect vulnerable communities.
In a separate interview, Salinas stressed that flood control projects are not optional but essential for long-term safety and resilience.
He noted that these measures have become necessary due to the increasing severity of weather events in the region.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has voiced his full support for the summit, recognizing its importance in determining the flood control needs for the central and northern parts of the province. He sees the summit as an opportunity for stakeholders to align their strategies and make informed decisions for future planning.
As Western Visayas braces for the next heavy rains, the upcoming summit represents a crucial step in creating a coordinated, sustainable approach to flood management in the region.*
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, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.