Senator Loren Legarda pressed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that all flood control projects in the country are grounded on scientific studies and implemented in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

During the continuation of the Senate deliberations on the proposed 2026 DPWH budget on Monday, Legarda underscored the need for flood control programs to be “science-based” and supported by sound environmental assessments.

“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?” Legarda asked.

The senator emphasized that flood control initiatives form part of the country’s broader climate adaptation strategy, which should blend infrastructure development with 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 said.

In response, DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon concurred with Legarda’s position, revealing that recent inspections by the department showed that none of the flood control projects they visited had obtained an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

“That is also our question, and I could not agree more with Sen. Legarda,” Dizon said, adding that a particular flood control project in Mindoro was even found to be operating without a building permit from the local government.

Legarda reiterated that proper coordination and adherence to environmental standards are essential to ensure that flood mitigation projects do not inadvertently worsen flooding or damage ecosystems.