Rep Elizaldy Co proposes large-scale water impounding facilities for Bicol

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co proposed constructing large-scale water impounding facilities across the Bicol region to address flooding and water scarcity following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The initiative aims to manage floodwaters, enhance food security by increasing rice production, and support residential water needs through improved irrigation systems.

Co envisions facilities similar to a six-story-deep structure in Bonifacio Global City that captures rainwater, enabling two to three rice cropping cycles per year.

Discussions are underway with the Department of Public Works and Highways to create tunnel systems through Bicol's mountain ranges for water diversion during extreme weather events.

These tunnels would help release excess floodwater quickly, acting like a flush system to mitigate the impact of severe storms.

Rep. Co emphasized that such projects support both food security and climate resilience in the region.