Pampanga River Barangays Among Most Vulnerable to Flooding, Says DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has flagged over 100 barangays in the Philippines as being particularly susceptible to flooding.
Environment Undersecretary Carlos David revealed that many of these barangays are situated along the Pampanga River, which runs through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. Some of the identified barangays are also in Mindanao.
David emphasized the importance of proactive measures in these barangays to mitigate the effects of flooding. He pointed out that while some barangays have early warning systems in place and are aware of potential solutions, others are less prepared and tend to react only when the problem arises.
Highlighting the multifaceted use of floodwaters, including for irrigation, domestic use, aquaculture, ecotourism, and hydropower, David suggested that the focus should shift from merely diverting floodwaters to the ocean to storing and impounding them for future use.
The government’s primary objectives encompass disaster preparedness, early warning, appropriate technological application, and flood mitigation. David underscored the priority of safeguarding lives and properties.
Recent flooding incidents in Metro Manila were attributed by David to infrastructure design flaws and the rampant dumping of waste. He noted that the capital region has at least 28 esteros, and the solid waste issues have led to the blockage of these waterways, exacerbating the flooding problem.