Manila: Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday urged national and local authorities to break the cycle of flood response and rehabilitation by investing in prevention, safe evacuation facilities, and nature-based solutions. This appeal followed the southwest monsoon, intensified by tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, which flooded communities, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods, impacting more than 1.3 million Filipinos.

According to Philippines News Agency, Legarda emphasized the need to shift focus from reactive measures to proactive risk prevention. She highlighted that prevention is more cost-effective, humane, and efficient than repeatedly rebuilding after disasters. Legarda called for stricter enforcement of environmental and land-use laws, particularly the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to mitigate the factors exacerbating flooding, such as accumulated garbage and clogged waterways.

Legarda stressed the importance of locating evacuation centers outside hazard zones to ensure safety during disasters. As a co-author of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, she advocated that evacuation facilities should be informed by hazard and flood maps and equipped with essential amenities for vulnerable groups.

Additionally, Legarda advocated for the broader implementation of nature-based solutions to complement existing flood-control infrastructure. She emphasized the need to restore natural ecosystems such as watersheds, forests, and wetlands to enhance their capacity to manage water flow and reduce flood risks. Legarda concluded that while heavy rains cannot be prevented, improved governance, preparedness, and environmental stewardship can mitigate their impact.