Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday urged the government to involve the Climate Change Commission (CCC) more directly in planning and designing flood control projects, warning that stronger typhoons and heavier rains brought by climate change demand longer-lasting and science-based infrastructure.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change hearing, Tulfo noted that most flood mitigation projects are built with a five-year lifespan, which he said is inadequate given worsening weather conditions. Tulfo emphasized the catastrophic nature of calamities, pointing out that despite the millions spent, flood control structures often last only five years before sustaining damage. He advocated for projects to be designed to withstand at least 20 to 25 years of use.

CCC Secretary Robert Borje confirmed that the agency had submitted the country's first National Adaptation Plan in 2024, providing climate projections and data that could guide agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He mentioned the need for tightened coordination to ensure the plan's implementation across agencies, preventing it from remaining merely 'just a paper'.

Tulfo suggested filing a Senate resolution to require the CCC's inclusion in the planning of DPWH and other agencies' infrastructure projects. He also highlighted the necessity for tighter coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration to integrate flood management systems with irrigation and water use programs.

Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla supported the call for integrated water management, noting that flood control, irrigation, hydropower, and other uses should be harmonized to maximize resources.