DPWH seeks funding for river dredging to prevent flooding

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan told senators on Thursday that additional funding is needed for dredging and desilting principal rivers to enhance flood control efforts.

Bonoan noted they have been proposing a budget for these operations since 2023 but were unsuccessful in getting it included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He explained that no dredging or desilting had taken place over the past few years, leading to silted rivers and shallow river beds prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. urged his colleagues to ensure funding for new dredging equipment in future budget deliberations, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue.

During a Senate inquiry following Typhoon Carina's widespread flooding, Bonoan disclosed that no new dredging equipment had been purchased despite previous requests and proposals.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed government agencies to implement flood control measures holistically and integrate water-impounding facilities into their plans.