Floods have become an inevitable consequence of rainfall in our area, particularly during the monsoon season, especially in low-lying and densely populated areas where waterways are often clogged with daily waste. However, the people have learned to adapt to flooding as the waters usually recede within a few hours or days. Local government units have prepared evacuation sites and relief packs for worst-case scenarios. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Bulacan, where flooding has been a constant issue for many years in some towns and municipalities.
The geography and location of Bulacan play a significant role in this recurring problem. Being a low-lying province, it acts as a catch basin for floodwaters from nearby Pampanga, as well as runoff water from the Angat, Bustos, and Ipo dams, all situated within Bulacan. Rains, typhoons, and high tides exacerbate the flooding, while infrastructure projects such as reclamation activities, land conversion, fishpond development, and the construction of a mega airport have further aggravated the situation.
In 2019, maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal warned that planned reclamation activities on Manila Bay would not only worsen flooding in Manila but also submerge coastal villages in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cavite. He pointed out that these projects would create a dam-like effect, impeding the continuous flow of water to the bay from the rivers of Bulacan and Pampanga. Additionally, the relentless cutting down of mangroves by developers has further diminished the natural coastline protection against floods and storm surges.
Various studies have also highlighted the rapid land subsidence in Bulacan due to excessive groundwater extraction, making the province even more susceptible to flooding. The mismanagement of the three dams in the province has been blamed by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando for the chronic and destructive flooding during typhoons. He suggests that the operators should have coordinated fully with local officials before discharging water.
To mitigate flooding in this primarily agricultural land, several interventions need to be implemented. Governor Fernando emphasizes the need for a master plan on flood control from the national government, as the province’s pumping stations have proven inadequate. He also suggests elevating the bypass roads that currently cut through the rice fields, obstructing waterways that could alleviate the floodwaters.
Furthermore, stricter standards on land conversion should be enforced to prevent the blocking of waterways and irrigation canals caused by continuous industrial construction. While structural solutions such as dikes, floodgates, and culverts can help reduce flooding, conservationists advocate for reforestation, watershed preservation, and land use regulations as more sustainable and nature-friendly measures.
Above all, there needs to be accountability for the billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Reports of repeated destruction of flood control projects due to heavy rains and flooding should prompt the DPWH to ensure strict monitoring of construction and adherence to high construction standards and quality building materials. Contractors involved in failed projects should be investigated and blacklisted if found to have compromised project integrity for profit or engaged in corruption.
Given Bulacan’s significance as prime agricultural land, the national government must prioritize efforts to protect this food basket from the devastating aftermath of frequent typhoons. With the President also serving as the agriculture secretary, there should be no excuse for neglecting the province and risking food sufficiency in the process.
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