METRO MANILA FLOOD CONTROL
Marcos raises concerns over mismatch in flood control projects and flood-prone areas
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted a significant discrepancy between the provinces most susceptible to flooding and those that have received the highest number of flood control projects.
During a press conference, President Marcos Jr. disclosed data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) indicating the top 10 provinces in terms of flood control projects. The provinces and their project counts are:
- Bulacan – 668
- Cebu – 414
- Isabela – 341
- Pangasinan – 313
- Pampanga – 292
- Albay – 273
- Leyte – 262
- Tarlac – 258
- Camarines Sur – 252
- Ilocos Norte – 224
However, a comparison with the “National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines 2023-2050,” which identifies the most flood-prone areas, reveals a different picture. The plan lists the following as the most vulnerable:
- Pampanga
- Nueva Ecija
- Pangasinan
- Tarlac
- Bulacan
- Metro Manila
- Maguindanao
- North Cotabato
- Oriental Mindoro
- Ilocos Norte
“I think you will notice they don’t necessarily match,” President Marcos stated, acknowledging the disparity. While noting that there might be explanations for this, he emphasized the intuitive logic that areas most prone to flooding should naturally be prioritized for flood control initiatives. “Whatever is most flood-prone, that should receive the most projects,” he added.
Regionally, Metro Manila has received the largest share of projects, with 1,058 initiatives amounting to P52.57 billion. Central Luzon follows with 1,617 projects worth P98.01 billion, and the Bicol region with 866 projects valued at P49.61 billion.
The President acknowledged that the high number of projects in Metro Manila “makes sense kasi ‘yung flood problem talagang nadiyan (because the flood problem is truly there), but we will still look into that.”
Furthermore, President Marcos revealed that out of the DPWH’s 170 pumping-station projects, 157 are located in Metro Manila, costing P11.67 billion. He critically pointed out that this concentration “manifests how the pumping stations have become ineffective because of the garbage collection problem.”
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