Philippines DPWH updates flood management master plans

The Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is updating and implementing flood management master plans to enhance nationwide disaster resiliency. Following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the department is working to ensure that flood control measures are science-based and account for current climate realities.

To achieve this, the DPWH is collaborating with the University of the Philippines – Project NOAH and various local government units to integrate detailed hazard mapping and scientific data. Detailed engineering designs are currently underway in ten major river basins, including the Apayao-Abulug, Pampanga, Bicol, Panay, Jalaur, Buayan-Malungon, Agusan, Agno, Ilog-Hilabangan, and Mindanao basins.

In several regions, updated master plans and finished designs have already been completed for areas such as Abra, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Agus, Davao, and Tagum-Libuganon. The initiative follows recent extensive flooding in Central Luzon, which prompted discussions regarding the effectiveness of existing infrastructure and the need for updated, corruption-free engineering interventions.