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JV Ejercito: Comprehensive infra master plan to provide “long-term solution” to flooding

August 09, 2023

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Wednesday said institutionalizing a comprehensive master plan for infrastructure development can provide a “long-term solution” to flooding in different parts of the country.

Ejercito expressed his dismay over the failure of existing flood control projects to prevent widespread flooding triggered by high tide, monsoon rains, and tropical cyclones.

“I hope this will be passed already kasi tingin ko, long term na dapat yung tignan natin. Taon-taon, nakikita natin yung mga projects, may flood control diyan, pero nothing is happening. Ano ang problema?” he said during a hearing of the Senate public works panel.

“I am looking for a long term solution and I am hoping that our comprehensive master plan for infrastructure development would be the solution to the flooding,” he added.

Based on the latest data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), about 108 areas in six regions in Luzon were placed under a state of calamity due to the combined effects of Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon. Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P1,191,137,926.36. as of August 2.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), at least eight more tropical cyclones are likely to hit the country before the end of the year.

Last year, Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 158, which seeks to create and institutionalize a comprehensive infrastructure development master plan.

The said plan, which will be drafted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and monitored by a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, would cover several areas of development: transportation and logistics, energy, water resources, information and communications technology, social infrastructure, agri-fisheries modernization and food logistics, and asset preservation and maintenance strategies.

The Senator explained that such a master plan would ensure the continuity of the country’s major infrastructure programs despite changes in administration.

“Kahit sino man ang umupong Presidente ng ating bansa, they may have their own pet projects and priority projects pero importante yung meron tayong blueprint or master plan that will be followed for infrastructure development,” Ejercito said.

“Tingin ko, ayan talaga ang kulang ng ating bansa because of our political system. Yung mga projects natin, either short term or medium term,” he added. 

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