Tech, masterplan key to flood control, says Legarda

Senator Loren Legarda said on Sunday that modern technology and masterplan are keys to effective flood control.

In an interview, Legarda expounded the importance of incorporating modern technology and masterplans to address flooding issues nationwide, one of the country's unresolved issue.

She mentioned doppler radar as one example, explaining that it can monitor both the volume and intensity of rainfall.

"It is able to measure the amount of rain para mapaghandaan," she noted.

Legarda also highlighted the importance of satellite imagery in tracking the real-time impact of natural disasters and assessing infrastructure projects in light of ongoing climate change.

She pointed out the need for a masterplan that aligns with the national budget and includes the evaluation of the structural integrity of ongoing and completed projects. According to her, flooding is not solely caused by rainfall, but also by the lack of proper planning and the misuse of government funds.

"Dapat i-review ang structural integrity ng mga istruktura na nagawa... Tignan ang mapa kung saan ang mga estero, kanal, waterways," she said.

She emphasized that evaluating projects should go beyond financial audits. There must also be performance and structural audits to ensure effectiveness. "Ang pag-audit, hindi lamang dapat financial audit kundi pati performance audit para masuri ang mga proyektong epektibo at kapakipakinabang at kung ano ang substandard," she added.

Legarda explained the importance of transparency throughout the entire budgeting process — from preparation and amendments to the final passage of the law. She insisted that public funds must not be wasted on flood control projects that fail to resolve flooding.

She stressed the need to thoroughly review infrastructure integrity, especially the placement and condition of canals and waterways. "Hayaan ang waterways to stay as waterways," she said.

The senator urged the government to prioritize the development and operation of flood control masterplans in flood-prone areas. "It’s hard to imagine how funds go missing and projects are not completed," she said.

Legarda emphasized that these standards and practices should apply across all government agencies, not just in flood control and infrastructure matters.

Legarda said that the National Expenditure Program (NEP) of 2026, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2025 must first be implemented. They need to review it to avoid repeating the mistakes made in 2025 and 2024.

"I will ask the DPWH, ipakita nila ang lokasyon ng waterways. Bakit nawala? Sino ang pumayag?" she said.