Environment Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Raphael P.M. Lotilla has ordered a comprehensive audit of flood control and infrastructure projects across Western Visayas, stressing the need to strengthen the region’s resilience amid intensifying climate threats.
During his first official visit as CORDS, Lotilla met with local chief executives and regional agency heads to align priority programs with the infrastructure and security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Lotilla emphasized that all flood mitigation structures implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways must strictly comply with national engineering and environmental standards.
The audit, he said, aims to verify whether completed projects can withstand stronger and more frequent tropical cyclones.
Lotilla also called for the integration of rainwater-harvesting systems in local infrastructure planning to curb flash floods and promote sustainable water management.
Linking resilience and peace efforts
Beyond infrastructure validation, Lotilla assessed ongoing peace and development initiatives under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, noting that stability in previously conflict-affected communities hinges on sustained government presence and services.
“Peace is maintained not only by laying down arms but also by rebuilding lives,” he said, underscoring that poverty, exclusion, and limited economic opportunity must be addressed to prevent renewed unrest.
Lotilla cited government interventions such as food assistance, emergency employment, farm-to-market roads, land patent distribution, and classroom construction as proof of the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits of peace.
Whole-of-government approach
Lotilla stressed the interconnection between environmental protection and regional security, urging national agencies and local governments to adopt a whole-of-government approach to disaster preparedness, development planning, and public safety.
His visit signals a coordinated push in Western Visayas to reinforce infrastructure integrity, accelerate socio-economic programs, and build safer, climate-resilient communities.IMT
