DPWH to lead flood control projects

President Arroyo has tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to lead government’s flood control programs and expedite projects in preparation for the rainy season.

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said he has ordered the creation of a technical working group that would create a National Flood Management Framework Plan (NFMFP) to effectively respond to the country’s perennial flooding problem.

Through Special Order 52 issued last March 20, Ebdane designated the Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center (FCSEC) to lead the planning committee. Project managers Dolores Hipolito and Alejandro Sosa will head the committee.

The other members of the planning body are Engineers Julius Borja, Leonila Mercado, Rebecca Garsuta, Napoleon Famadico, Jesse Felizardo, Michael Alpasan, and Jerry Fano, all from the DPWH Major Flood Control Project Management Office.

Ebdane said the group will collate and consolidate plans and programs, study reports and other data from other agencies, convene meeting and workshops and prepare status reports for the NFMFP.

The DPWH chief also said the committee will assist other government agencies and provide technical support to flood control projects.

Ebdane likewise designated the department’s JICA experts for river administration as well as heads of the Project for Strengthening the Flood Management Function as honorary members of the group to provide assistance and guidance for the drafting of the NFMFP.