Quezon city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accelerating the development of the National Flood Master Plan, emphasizing that flood management is a critical aspect of the country's overarching water security strategy.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at the DENR main office in Quezon City, Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla highlighted that the draft plan, completed in August, focuses on an integrated approach that combines nature-based solutions with infrastructure improvements. The plan aims to reform the country's flood management system by strengthening inter-agency coordination, ensuring alignment with the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan, river basin plans, and multi-purpose water strategies.
Secretary Lotilla emphasized the importance of addressing flood mitigation at the source, stating, "Flood mitigation, as the President has constantly stressed, must begin at the headwaters, with forests, wetlands, and watersheds, not merely at the point where these waters overflow." The plan also aims to capture and store water for various uses such as irrigation, potable supply, aquaculture, hydro-power, and tourism.
The DENR is advocating for multipurpose upstream dams that serve both flood control and productive water use during dry months. In collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), efforts are being made to maximize water resource utilization during the rainy season for deployment in the dry season.
This year, policies on dredging and quarrying have been reinforced, mandating that these activities occur at least one kilometer downstream of dams and major infrastructure to mitigate environmental and structural risks. Additionally, clean water programs are being expanded for underserved communities.
Lotilla noted that desalination and filtration systems were completed in 2024 for six island barangays, and by 2025, 28 additional island barangays are targeted, with installations planned for 2026 to benefit at least 28,000 people.
The DENR acknowledges the autonomy of local government units (LGUs) under the local government code and stresses the importance of collaboration. "Now, what we are trying to make sure is that we work with them. So, for example, these geohazard maps that we have, we would like the LGUs to be able to cooperate in their comprehensive land use plans, and more importantly, in their zoning ordinances," Lotilla said.
The DENR is also working closely with other government bodies, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the NIA, to ensure nationwide alignment in flood control and water management efforts.
