DENR, DPWH study water impounding system vs floods

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are jointly studying the construction of water impounding systems as well as flood control structures as mitigation approaches to climate change and its impacts amid the flooding experienced in many areas in the country following rains brought by Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said yesterday.

“We are looking at our respective budgets and our programs to see how we can design multipurpose infrastructure to actually serve the different needs of agriculture, power, water for domestic use and for industry,” Loyzaga said.

She added that the DENR is refocusing the government’s water security strategy to maximize the utilization of the country’s water resources.

Multipurpose water infrastructure include dams, reservoirs, sewage treatment plants, associated irrigation canals and water supply networks which may be used for more than one purpose for economic, social and environmental activities.

Former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson has proposed the construction of a 200-hectare water impounding area in Pampanga’s Candaba swamp to prevent flooding in nearby and low-lying areas.

Loyzaga said that aside from the DPWH, the DENR is working closely with other concerned government agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System in building public