President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies to adopt a “holistic approach” in addressing the country’s worsening flood problems.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the President also directed the agency to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and speed up flood mitigation projects.
“Holistic solutions kasi they take time. There are no overnight solutions to this problem that we’ve been experiencing floods for decades,” Dizon said at a Palace briefing.
The secretary said some LGUs had complained in the past that flood control projects were implemented without their knowledge or coordination.
Dizon assured that this would no longer be the case.
“Wala kaming ipapasok na project dito na hindi coordinated at hindi alam ng LGU at hindi kini-clear ng mga LGUs,” he said.
The DPWH is also fast-tracking projects meant to address gaps in flood control systems, including projects requested by LGUs.
Dizon said the President’s directive was clear: act faster, keep the work moving and coordinate with local governments.IMT
