DPWH Eyes Science-Backed Flood Master Plan Amidst Heavy Rains

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to create a science-backed flood management infrastructure plan to strengthen the country's long-term disaster preparedness, following massive floods in Metro Manila and other provinces. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the updating of all flood management master plans in the wake of the floods brought by tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon. He said they are laying the technical foundation for future flood control projects that are based on science. The DPWH is collaborating with the University of the Philippines-Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), local governments, and key partner agencies in the integration of hazard mapping and scientific data before the projects are implemented. The DPWH is also working with NLEX Corp. for long-term solutions to ease the flooding at the North Luzon Expressway-San Simon Interchange in Pampanga. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed its regional offices to coordinate with expressway managements for the timely dissemination on the status of the expressways within their respective areas of responsibility. The directive covers Metro Manila, Ilocos Region where the TPLEX is located, Central Luzon where the SCTEX and NLEX is located, and CALABARZON where SLEX, STAR Toll, CALAX, and MCLEX are located. Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said they also instructed all regional franchising and regulatory offices in the three regions to coordinate with the local government units in identifying alternative routes from the expressways in cases of emergency and other unexpected incidents similar to what happened at the San Simon area of NLEX. “The incident that happened in NLEX is a wake-up call for us in the LTFRB and other agencies to do our part in coming up with measures to maximize the assistance to the public,” Pua said. — Josiah Antonio