A Laguna legislator has asked the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) to find a permanent solution to the recurrent flooding that has been devastating several lakeshore communities near Laguna Lake.
In a statement, Rep. Edgar San Luis (4th district, LP) also said he is asking the provincial government to attend to the needs of at least 4,000 residents whose houses remained under water for the past several months.
“Like a father looking after his children, the provincial government should make sure that those affected by the floods are taken care of,” said San Luis’ statement.
San Luis, the candidate for governor of Liberal Party, said the provincial government should work closely with the DPWH and other agencies to solve the perennial problem of flooding in Laguna.
“What our province mates need are not just dole outs and empty promises from the capitol. Band aid solutions will do us no good,” San Luis said.
With the help of nongovernment organizations, San Luis said his office had been providing basic goods and other forms of help to residents displaced by floods in his district.
He said he has also started discussing with the DPWH possible infrastructure projects that could prevent the flooding usually triggered by the swelling of the Laguna Lake.
Last week, the Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that several towns in Laguna are still flooded.
In the capital town of Sta. Cruz, at least 4,000 residents are still staying in 16 evacuation centers.