Source: Public Relations and Information Department

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Lawmaker wants national flood management commission created
31 January 2010 09:28:10 AM
Writer: Lorelei V. Castillo, MRS-PRIB

A lawmaker is strongly pushing for the creation of a National Flood Management Commission that would adopt measures to address flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Rep. Narciso D. Santiago III (Party-list, ARC) said the creation of the flood management body would create a short and long-term program to address flooding.

"The Philippines is hit by 'super typhoons' that cause widespread devastation to crops, homes and cost hundreds of lives," Santiago said.

"Just recently, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) estimated that property damage from widespread flooding due to tropical storm 'Ondoy' amounted to P10.45 billion," Santiago added.

Santiago cited a joint study conducted by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of Waikato, which concluded that Asian Pacific region is among the world's most prone to environmental hazard.

Santiago said this regional "hot spot" is due to the impact from storms, water stress, coastal vulnerability due to sea level rise and riparian flooding.

Moreover, a study conducted by the Economy and Environmental Program for Southeast Asia identified floods as one of the dominant hazards for the Philippines with an estimated cost of flooding at P20 billion annually.

Santiago said even an urban planning expert recommended that it is more practical for the government to take a preventive and proactive stance by investing in comprehensive strategies to deal with flooding.

The bill otherwise known as the "Flood Management Act of 2009" mandates the Commission to observe the principles of unified and national planning, consideration of all stakeholders, adoption of integrated measures for flood management and coordinated effort from all concerned government agencies and local government units.

The Commission is further directed to recommend the construction, take over, maintenance and operation of dams, reservoirs, holding or impounding basins, flood gates, dikes, levees or other artificial barriers to protect against the inundation of properties.

It shall also assist local government units in the promulgation and implementation of effective flood plain management regulations and practices and provide local governments having jurisdiction over flood-prone lands technical data and maps adequate to develop or support reasonable flood management regulations.

The Commission is tasked to assist national or local agencies in the planning and implementation of flood plain management activities such as flood warning systems, land acquisition and relocation programs.

Under the measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall include in its programs the implementation of this proposed bill and its funding.