The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is laying the technical foundation for future science-backed flood management infrastructure to strengthen long-term disaster preparedness nationwide.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance the country’s flood resilience.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the updating of all flood management master plans to better protect Filipinos from recurring massive flooding.

To ensure that the master plans reflect current climate realities, the DPWH is collaborating with the University of the Philippines-Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, local government units, and other partner agencies.

The updated plans will integrate detailed hazard mapping and scientific data before implementing flood management projects.

The DPWH does not use a single nationwide master plan; instead, it uses a decentralized strategy with individual, localized master plans tailored to each of the country’s 18 major river basins and principal tributaries.