By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is preparing a proposal to require property developers to install stormwater retention facilities in new residential and commercial projects nationwide, aiming to reduce flooding while securing water supplies during prolonged droughts.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced the plan after visiting Megaworld Corp.’s rainwater park in San Fernando, Pampanga, which can hold 15,000 cubic meters of water.
The developer intends to increase the facility’s capacity to 20,000 cubic meters through an additional underground storage structure. Aside from helping manage excess rainfall, the stored water could be reused for purposes other than drinking during extended dry periods.
Dizon said the DPWH is coordinating with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to establish uniform rules requiring developers to incorporate water-storage systems into future projects. He will submit the proposal to President Marcos for consideration.
The initiative seeks to strengthen flood prevention and improve the country’s preparedness for increasingly severe swings between heavy rainfall and water shortages.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, called on Malacañang to consider declaring a national state of calamity as El Niño threatens agricultural output across several regions.
Department of Agriculture figures cited by Pangilinan placed drought-related damage at ₱6.87 billion as of Sept. 26. Government assistance had reached only 2.53 million of the 11.12 million intended beneficiaries as of Oct. 6.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. estimated that losses could climb to ₱20 billion, with as much as one million metric tons of agricultural production affected across 350,000 hectares. Up to four million farmers and fisherfolk could bear the consequences.
The expected decline in palay output could reach one million metric tons, equivalent to approximately 700,000 metric tons of milled rice.
The DA intends to maintain rice imports, which are projected to exceed five million metric tons this year, to support domestic availability and build reserves equivalent to 75 days of consumption by the end of 2026.
PAGASA also warned that heat-index monitoring could resume as exceptionally high temperatures are anticipated toward year-end under a very strong El Niño.
ia/xf
