Legarda: Flood control projects must be science-based

Senator Loren Legarda on Monday, 27 October, stressed that all flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must be science-based.

During the continuation of the deliberation on the proposed 2026 budget of the DPWH, Legarda urged the agency to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Irrigation Administration in implementing flood control projects across the country.

Legarda reiterated that studies on flood control projects must be science-based, emphasizing the need for strong inter-agency coordination among water and environment agencies.

“Should there not be clear coordination between the water agencies? Should there not be an environmental impact assessment for all flood mitigation measures? Should there not be Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) granted for all flood control projects—whether these are dikes, revetments, or other structures?” she asked.

The senator said flood control projects are part of climate adaptation measures, which should integrate both infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

“In my work for decades now, I know that infrastructure must take into consideration the natural ecosystem around it. You just don’t build a dike without knowing where the water goes,” she added.

In response, DPWH Secretary Vivencio Dizon agreed with Legarda, noting that the department’s recent inspections revealed that not one flood control project they visited and investigated had an ECC.

“That is also our question, and I could not agree more with Sen. Legarda,” Dizon said.