BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has commenced clearing operations across 16 engineering districts in Western Visayas to mitigate the risk of flooding due to the predicted heavy rainfall later this year.
This measure aligns with forecasts indicating a significant likelihood of a La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring above-average rainfall to the region.
“We cannot ignore the potential for flooding due to climate change. Thus, all 16 district engineering offices are mandated to conduct clearing and maintenance activities in our natural waterways. We are acting promptly and according to schedule,” said Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, officer-in-charge of DPWH Region 6.
Despite a reduction in the allocated budget for maintenance activities this fiscal year, Oropel assured that it would not hinder their efforts.
However, he clarified that the DPWH-6’s responsibility only extends to national roads.
“The maintenance of provincial, barangay, and municipal roads falls under the jurisdiction of the concerned local government units (LGUs), who are tasked with cleaning and maintaining these areas,” Oropel explained.
Oropel also highlighted the importance of keeping waterways free from debris to prevent water stagnation and subsequent flooding.
“Our role includes assisting with the clearing operations along national roads, but clearing waterways beyond our mandate is the responsibility of the LGUs, especially in areas where water outflows are obstructed by informal settlers,” he added.
In response to the impending La Niña, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts could start as early as June, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 6 is taking steps to ensure preparedness.
Dr. Raul Fernandez, regional director of OCD-6, is currently visiting LGUs to assess their readiness.
“Given the severe El Niño conditions we’ve experienced earlier this year, the following La Niña could bring equally intense storms and increased rainfall,” Fernandez noted.
Fernandez stressed the need for LGUs to prepare for potential landslides and floods, especially as the previously dried-out soil may become unstable.
“It is crucial that LGUs identify landslide- and flood-prone areas now, determine the population at risk, and plan evacuation sites in case of a disaster. We are ensuring that they have contingency plans and have pre-positioned relief goods,” he said.
Additionally, Fernandez mentioned the necessity of recruiting volunteers to enhance disaster response capabilities and suggested collaborating with schools and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to involve college students in disaster response efforts./PN
