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.