President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to collaborate to ensure an integrated and future-proof implementation of plans for the Bicol River Basin project.
Speaking at the distribution of government assistance to typhoon-affected farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Pili, Camarines Sur, Marcos said his directive would help prevent severe flooding amid the impact of climate change.
“Inaatasan ko ang DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), at DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) na makipagtulungan, kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan, upang maging integrated at future-proof ang kanilang mga plano at proyekto para sa Bicol River Basin (I instruct the DPWH, DENR, and DILG to work together, with the local government, to make their plans and projects integrated and future-proof for Bicol River Basin),” Marcos said.
The President said he has ordered the DPWH to revisit the Bicol River Basin Development Program.
The Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the project was finished in July and now includes adaptive measures for climate change.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay inaayos na ang Detailed Engineering Design na inaasahang masisimulan sa first quarter ng susunod na taon (Currently, the Detailed Engineering Design is being prepared which is expected to be implemented in the first quarter of next year),” the President said.
He instructed the DPWH, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, and other agencies to ensure that infrastructures are well-researched and robust to make them durable and effective.
During his visit, he led the distribution of PHP50 million in assistance from the Office of the President, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to about 5,000 calamity victims in the province.
Bicol Region was badly hit when Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) dampened majority of Luzon from October 21 to 25, bringing record amounts of rainfall and triggering flooding and landslides. (PNA)
