Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may halt some ongoing flood control projects that were discovered to be ill-planned and instead of helping, have harmed communities, Secretary Vince Dizon said Monday. 'The dikes are the problem, either they restrict the flow of water or the carrying capacity of waterways, or they speed up the flow of water, which is more damaging and harmful,' Dizon said in a news release Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon emphasized the need for sufficient data and evidence, suggesting that some flood control projects might even need to be dismantled due to their detrimental effects on communities and the environment. The DPWH is actively coordinating with other government agencies and the private sector to enhance the planning of flood control initiatives.

Dizon highlighted the collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Water Resources Management Office (DENR-WRMO) and other relevant agencies and private organizations to adopt a science-based and nature-based approach to these projects. He mentioned ongoing work with the University of the Philippines, particularly Project NOAH with Professor Mahar Lagmay, and recognized the contributions of renowned hydrologist Professor Guillermo Tabios.

The DPWH aims to incorporate more scientific rigor into the planning and implementation of flood control projects, acknowledging past deficiencies in the scientific basis of such initiatives.