DPWH allots almost P11B for flood control in 2012

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allotted for flood control projects P10.817 billion or 11 percent of its P99.49-billion budget for 2012.   In a news release on the DPWH website, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the amount will be spent for long-term solutions to flooding and other water-related disasters.   "Water catchments and impounding structures upstream of our major rivers will be given priority. In highly urbanized areas, climate change initiatives, and rehabilitation of flood-damaged structures will also given priority," the DPWH said.   Singson also said priority will be given to flood control projects in major and principal river basins based on completed master plans.   The major flood control projects for 2012 include:

• Pampanga Delta and Pampanga River projects
• Laoag River Basin and Sabo Project
• Bicol River Basin and Watershed Project
• Mindanao River Basins
• Mandaluyong City drainage improvement project
• Cagayan de Oro River Basin
• Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP) Phase II
• Mt. Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project Phase III
• San Roque Multi-Purpose Project, Flood Control Component
• drainage protection works along national roads and bridges nationwide.

  Singson said the DPWH will also promote innovative technologies such as:

• geotextiles and coco-netting in slope protection and soil erosion control
• promotion of rainwater harvesting and retarding basins
• support other agencies’ efforts in non-structural measures such as hazard mapping of the DENR, flood monitoring and forecasting of DOST/PAGASA
• relocation of informal settlers living along riverways and esteros.

- VVP, GMA News