The government should implement nature-based solutions to flooding alongside its usual flood control programs.
This was the call of Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos in the wake of the damage caused by Super Typhoon Uwan.
The lawmaker stressed that “flood control projects are only one side of the equation. We have to listen to the experts who advocate for aggressive reforestation, especially of watersheds and along floodplains to prevent water run-off.”
“Malaki ang maitutulong ng mga gubat lalo na sa mga nasa mababang lugar na madalas, kahit wala nang ulan, ay biktima pa rin ng pagbaha dahil sa dausdos ng tubig.”
The lawmaker urged the national government to work in concert with local government units, scientists, and other experts towards this end.
“The sooner we start, the better, because the next typhoon will not wait until we are ready,” Bernos said.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the typhoon has so far affected 231,000 families or about 837,000 individuals across more than 2,700 barangays.
Around 426,000 families or 1.4 million individuals were pre-emptively evacuated, with 92,000 families or 318,000 individuals staying in evacuation centers.
The NDRRMC also reported that flooding persists in at least 132 areas, while 13 communities reported storm surges.
At least 155 cities and municipalities are also still experiencing power interruptions; while 13 have water interruptions, and 14 are dealing with communication issues.
