Marcos pushes for Bicol River Basin flood-proofing

(Photo from Official Facebook page of Coast Guard District Bicol)

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent massive flooding in the Bicol region in the future, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said he has directed various government agencies to collaborate on developing an “integrated and future-proof” Bicol River Basin.

He made the directive in Camarines Sur on Wednesday, where he led the distribution of cash assistance to families, farmers, and fishermen affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

“Inaatasan ko ang DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources], at DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] na makipagtulungan, kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan, upang maging integrated at future-proof ang kanilang mga plano at proyekto para sa Bicol River Basin,” said Marcos.

(I am directing the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) to collaborate with the local government to make their plans and projects for the Bicol River Basin integrated and future-proof.

“Nagbigay ako ng direktiba sa bawat ahensya ng gobyerno na gumawa ng mga stratehiyang akma sa ating pangmalawakang matinding pagbaha at maiwasan na ang ganyang klaseng baha sa kabila ng inaasahang pagbabago ng panahon,” he added.

(I issued a directive to each government agency to develop strategies suited to our large-scale flood prevention efforts and to prevent such severe flooding despite the anticipated changes in weather.)

Marcos also mentioned that the master plan and feasibility study for the basin had already been completed last July.

“Sa kasalukuyan ay inaayos na ang Detailed Engineering Design na inaasahang masisimulan sa first quarter ng susunod na taon,” he said.

(The Detailed Engineering Design is being finalized, with work expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.)

Marcos also announced that the Office of the President has given P50 million in cash assistance to 15 municipalities in the province, where 5,000 beneficiaries will receive P10,000 each.