House Speaker Martin Romualdez to discuss measures vs. Metro flooding with concerned agencies

MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and all concerned agencies involved in the fight against potential flooding in Metro Manila are set to convene on Tuesday in a high-level conference at the House of Representatives.

The House leader has asked the secretaries of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), of Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman to attend the meeting.

Romualdez said the meeting aims to foster a unified strategy that not only addresses the immediate impacts of potential flooding but also fortifies long-term resilience in communities at risk.

"The dialogue will focus on integrating infrastructure development, environmental management, and community-based approaches to form a comprehensive flood mitigation framework. The insights and agreements from this meeting will be pivotal in shaping the national response to flood risks," he said in a statement.

He said preparations for the coming of La Niña will also be discussed.

"Seryoso nating pinaghahandaan ang pagdating ng La Niña bago pa man ito maka-apekto sa ating bansa. Itinaas na ng PAGASA ang alarma kung kaya mahalaga ang ating pagkakaisa at agarang aksyon upang maprotektahan ang ating mga komunidad sa posibleng pagbaha (We are seriously preparing for the coming of La Niña even before it affects the country. PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) has already raised the alarm so our cooperation, and immediate action to protect our communities from potential flooding are important)," he said.

Through proper cooperation among DPWH, DENR, DILG, MMDA, and local government officials, Romualdez said the preparation could help ensure the safety of every Filipino.

He said food security, sufficient water supply, energy availability, public health, public safety, mobility, and interconnectivity would be given priority in the preparations.

Romualdez urged communities to join the national government and local government units in preparing for possible flooding.

He assured the public that they would be informed of the results of the conference to better prepare them for the adverse effects of La Niña. (PNA)