Flood task force eyed for Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA, Philippines — A Pampanga business leader has proposed creating a multisectoral Central Luzon Flood Management Task Force to review and integrate existing flood control plans into a science-based, long-term regional flood management master plan.

Renato Romero, a senior fellow of the Pampanga Business Circle and longtime private sector representative in the Regional Development Council (RDC), made the proposal in letters sent on Monday, Aug. 24, to the RDC and President Marcos, as well as governors and business chambers in the region.

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Romero said Central Luzon continues to experience recurring and prolonged flooding despite substantial government spending on flood control infrastructure.

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He said the proposed task force would not start another planning process from scratch but would review existing studies and projects, identify gaps.

Romero proposed that the RDC bring together national government agencies, local governments, technical experts, academe, the private sector and affected communities, with the private sector serving as a watchdog. /cb