Compensation eyed for victims of flooding

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebuano legislator has proposed to compensate the people that are affected by floods because of the water coming from dams and reservoirs.

Cebu 6th District Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing filed the House Bill 5835 amidst the heavy floodings that hit the Northern and Central Luzon area because of the back-to-back typhoon Pedring and Quiel which was also aggravated by the release of the water from the dams.

HB 5835 which will also be known as the” National Dam Safety Act of 2011” was recently filed by Quisumbing as an offshoot of the plan of President Benigno Aquino III to create an agency that would take charge dam operations in the country.

The new body will be tasked to oversee, monitor and inspect the conditions of all the dams in the country.

The board shall also establish an effective safety program to reduce the adverse effects of releasing water from dams or reservoirs especially during rains and typhoons .

Dam operators told the Senate during last Monday’s hearing of the climate change committee that the heavy floodings now experienced in Luzon could have been prevented had they been allowed to release water from the dam before the typhoons actually hit the country.

Quisumbing said that the recent typhoons Pedring and Quiel resulted in heavy damage to life, properties and government infrastructures.

Under Quisumbing’s proposed Bill, every individual who will be adversely affected by the release of water from the dams shall receive P50,000 financial assistance in cases of deaths.

Free hospitalization shall also be afforded to individuals who suffer emotional or psychological and physical injuries while the amount should be paid by the government corresponding to the loss or damage of the property.

Quisumbing proposed that the Board shall be composed of the secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways as ex-officio chairman, PAG-ASA director, administrator  of the National Disaster Risk Reduction  and Management Council (NDRRMC), executive director of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) , administrator of the National Irrigation Administration , administrator of the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System, the NAPOCOR President and the secretary of the Social Welfare and Development as ex-officio member.  (FREEMAN)