Marcos directs agencies to collaborate on climate-resProof Bicol River project, distributes PHP50M aid

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed government agencies and local government units to collaborate on an integrated and future-proof implementation of the Bicol River Basin project during a visit to Camarines Sur.

Marcos emphasized the need for cooperation among DPWH, DENR, DILG, and local governments to prevent severe flooding due to climate change and distributed PHP50 million in assistance to about 5,000 typhoon-affected residents.

The President instructed the DPWH to revisit the Bicol River Basin Development Program, which now includes adaptive measures for climate change and is expected to begin Detailed Engineering Design in the first quarter of next year.

Marcos noted that the master plan and feasibility study for the project had been completed last July and stressed the importance of developing strategies suited to large-scale flood prevention efforts despite anticipated weather changes.

He also directed various agencies to ensure infrastructure projects are well-researched and robust to withstand future challenges.