Manila: Former Surigao del Norte representative Robert Ace Barbers has called for an overhaul of the country's flood control planning, urging the government to incorporate the use of scientific hazard maps from Project NOAH in all future infrastructure projects. Barbers emphasized that flood control initiatives should be rooted in science rather than political considerations or outdated data to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively.
According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers, during a television interview, highlighted the importance of science-based flood protection systems in providing stability needed for rural provinces to attract investments and support economic growth. He noted that the ultimate measure of a successful infrastructure program is its ability to protect lives and livelihoods during storms.
Barbers advocated for the use of Project NOAH's digital hazard maps and simulation models in the planning and budgeting process to ensure that flood control structures are prioritized in high-risk areas. He cited findings from provincial inspections which revealed that multimillion-peso dikes were built in regions without severe flooding histories, while nearby communities and agricultural lands remained vulnerable and were heavily affected during typhoons.
This discrepancy, Barbers argued, exposes weaknesses in the current planning system and highlights the necessity for mandatory scientific evaluation of flood control projects. He proposed stricter legislative oversight to prohibit funding for projects unless they have been assessed using Project NOAH's scientific criteria, ensuring that critical 'red zones' receive priority funding.
Barbers underscored the increasing flood risks due to climate change, which make conventional engineering approaches inadequate. He urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to adopt a proactive strategy by anticipating disasters through the use of Project NOAH's predictive models. These models would enable engineers to simulate heavy rainfall effects before construction, thereby improving project planning and effectiveness.
He also cautioned that inadequately planned flood mitigation projects could impose additional financial burdens on the government, as failed structures often necessitate costly emergency responses and rehabilitation efforts.
