The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues its flood control projects, especially now that the rainy season has officially begun.
In an interview during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Monday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan shared that many flood control projects have already been initiated under the 2025 budget.
"As early as this year, inumpisahan na namin ulit 'yung mga projects that are included in the 2025 budget namin at kasalukuyang isinasagawa," said Bonoan.
"Mula noong nag-umpisa ang administrasyon na ito ay marami na rin kaming natapos na construction projects sa iba't ibang parte ng Pilipinas at nakakapagbigay na ng lunas, lalong-lalo na 'yung mga identified na flood-con areas at low-lying areas all over the country," he added.
Despite these successful projects, Bonoan said there are still issues that need to be addressed—particularly the dredging works that had been halted over the past several years.
He noted that the agency observed shallower riverbeds which require immediate dredging.
"Isa sa mga problema na nakikita namin, 'yung mga river depths. 'Yung karamihan nang mga ilog natin, mababaw na," he said.
"Isa ito sa mga pinagtutuunan namin ng pansin para mas mabilis na pagdaloy ng tubig baha sana. These are coupled by nag-iimplement kami ng protection works, and others na ginagawa namin para maibsan natin 'yung pagbaha sa mga low-lying areas," he furthered.
Under President Marcos' administration, Bonoan said dredging works will be restarted to help improve the flow of floodwaters.
Meanwhile, he proudly highlighted the ongoing upgrades of their pumping stations. However, he emphasized the importance of public cooperation.
"Kahit na mayroon kaming mahuhusay na pumping stations, kung masasarahan naman 'yung mga drainage natin ng mga basura, talagang mananatili ang tubig baha kung saan hindi na makakadaloy. Hindi lang 'yung infrastructure ang kailangan nating pagtulungan kundi yung mga environmental issues — mga basura, mga drainage system ng mga building," he said.
