
By: Elena Grace Flores
You might be asking – what is the government doing with the flood problems in Metro Manila? So, I think that it is best to post something on this subject and I was lucky to come across with this comprehensive plan initiated by DPWH or Department of Public Works and Highways. Read this report:
DPWH report: Flood management master plan for
Metro Manila and surrounding areas
After the flood events brought about by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in September and October 2009, respectively, that caused severe damage in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, the World Bank has provided a technical grant in the amount of $1.5 million under the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery Trust Fund of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). http://www.gov.ph/2013/06/19/dpwh-report-flood-management-master-plan-for-metro-manila-and-surrounding-areas/
Comprehensive as it may seem, most plan of actions herein are very general and they normally involve the participation of community residents. It got me thinking that when you have the slightest flood problem in your area – and no one is responsible enough to do something about it, it is your duty to report it to authorities. This is because – according to PD 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines, all bodies of water belong to the government and it is their duty to manage it using taxes or the People’s money.