Speaker Dy meets UP, Project NOAH execs amid flood control controversy

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday met University of the Philippines (UP) president and lawyer Angelo Jimenez as well as officials of UP Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) amid the controversy on the government’s flood control projects.

Seen in photos posted on the House of Representatives Facebook account were Dy, Jimenez, as well as Project NOAH officials Dr. Mahar Lagmay, executive director; lawyer Red Maines; and Karlo Abunda.

“The brief meeting gave the Speaker the opportunity to be briefed about Project NOAH and its crucial role in the country’s disaster risk reduction and management efforts,” the Speaker’s office said in a statement.

Just two days ago, Dy told reporters the House will ensure that the proposed P625.7 billion budget for the Department of Public Works and Highways will only fund meritorious flood control projects and those recommended by Project NOAH.

"A lot of flood control projects were removed [by the DPWH], but if these are needed according to Project NOAH which determines the areas in need of flood control projects and these are in accordance to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s recommendations, then the districts or provinces which need these projects should get the budget they need," Dy said.

"We will ensure that this budget will only fund appropriate projects because every cent involves public funds," he added.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has been established by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. amid a crackdown on anomalous government flood control projects.

Likewise, the House appropriations panel has realigned P255 billion of locally funded flood control projects under the proposed  DPWH budget to various agencies in need of additional funding for education and health, among other basic services. —AOL, GMA Integrated News