Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to tap Filipino scientists in crafting science-based flood control measures and to redirect billions of pesos toward climate resiliency projects instead of ineffective flood programs.
Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, said funds should go to climate-resilient infrastructure, mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and better urban planning rather than questionable projects that often fail or become sources of corruption.
The senator noted that despite the P1.47 trillion spent on flood control from 2009 to 2024, the country still suffers from poor drainage, outdated pumping stations, and ineffective measures. He also flagged the P360 billion flood control budget for 2025, questioning why projects were built in areas without flooding history.
Aquino filed a resolution seeking a Senate review of DPWH’s flood programs and stressed that part of the budget should instead address the classroom shortage in public schools.
“Iyong kakulangan sa classroom ay di hamak maliit pa sa flood control budget ng taong ito. Iyong sinasabing 50 years to do, 50 years to accomplish, or 5 years to accomplish, sa totoo lang, mas maliit pa iyon kaysa sa buong flood control budget ng isang taon,” he said.IMT
