DPWH chief: Flood mitigation master plans incomplete nationwide

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon told lawmakers Wednesday that master plans for flood mitigation infrastructure throughout the country have yet to be fully developed, as his agency grapples with climate-related uncertainties and planning gaps in various regions.

Dizon disclosed the incomplete status of the mitigation framework during the House Committee on Appropriations' review of the DPWH's 2027 budget proposal. He attributed delays to the evolving impacts of climate change on flood patterns and the absence of comprehensive plans in some areas.

The admission highlights ongoing challenges in the country's efforts to strengthen defenses against flooding, a recurring natural disaster that claims lives and destroys infrastructure annually. Complete master plans are considered essential for coordinating investment in dikes, dams, drainage systems, and other protective structures.

The DPWH has been tasked with overseeing the nation's critical infrastructure, including flood management systems. The development of comprehensive master plans is typically required to guide long-term capital allocation and ensure projects align with regional needs and climate projections.

Dizon's statement suggests the agency faces pressure to accelerate planning while adapting strategies to account for climate uncertainties affecting rainfall patterns and flood risk assessments.