Pasay city: While the country spends billions of pesos on flood control and other infrastructure projects, these may worsen the country's climate risks, instead of easing them, if not guided by science and coupled with strict environmental safeguards, a scientist from the University of the Philippines (UP) Marine Science Institute said.
According to Philippines News Agency, during an ambush interview at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Project Transform Colloquium in Pasay City, Fernando Siringan warned that many projects continue to bypass or water down the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, undermining climate resilience and exposing communities to greater risks. Unfortunately, despite having a budget of millions of pesos, most of these projects proceed without a proper impact study.
Siringan highlighted that not all projects have undergone an EIA study, and many government projects lack this crucial assessment. He emphasized the importance of utilizing available data and methods to guide development and stressed that stricter enforcement of EIAs is crucial in preventing flawed projects.
He argued that simple dredging of rivers and laying down concrete floodwalls are temporary fixes. Citing the 'Room for the River' program in Europe as a global best practice, Siringan noted that floods can be less frequent, lower in height, less widespread, and shorter in duration if rivers are given more room to flow instead of just repeatedly dredging them. He urged policymakers to shift toward nature-based solutions that fit ecosystems.
In his presentation, Siringan pointed out that tree covers can significantly reduce surface heat, intercept rainfall, and allow water infiltration. He proposed "sponge city" innovations, such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and water-absorbing parks, to ease flash floods in urban centers. He also highlighted the protective benefits of mangrove belts in coastal areas.
Siringan's warnings come as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expands his investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects and orders a lifestyle check on government executives. Siringan emphasized that flooding is not only an engineering problem but also an environmental and governance issue.
DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla echoed Siringan's sentiments, advocating for integrated river basin and water management programs. He stressed the need for better coordination between government agencies and local governments to prevent infrastructures from encroaching on natural waterways and to ensure faithful implementation of river basin plans.
