SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano is calling for a shift in how the government handles the country’s flooding problem, urging that science and engineering should lead the way—not politics.
His call came after DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. shared that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has the tools to help design more effective flood control projects. These include geohazard maps, digital elevation models, and forecasting systems that can predict and prevent flooding.
Cayetano, who has been pushing for more science-based solutions for years, supported the initiative, saying the government should rely more on data and facts, not on the political influences that often shape major infrastructure projects. He’s been vocal about this since 2023, when he urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to listen more to DOST’s scientific advice and less to politicians’ personal agendas.
“If we spent money on hazard mapping, we wouldn’t need to spend billions on flood control in the future,” Cayetano pointed out in a 2023 hearing, referring to how simple mapping could help pinpoint high-risk areas and reduce unnecessary infrastructure costs.
Cayetano also stressed the importance of proper planning. He pointed out how MacArthur Highway was raised but nearby roads weren’t, causing water to stay in areas it shouldn’t. “It’s all connected. If roads aren’t upgraded properly, flooding gets worse,” he explained.
In the end, Cayetano believes that if government agencies like DOST share their findings and local leaders (LGUs) use them, the country can stop wasting money on ineffective and politicized flood control projects, and start building smarter, more long-lasting solutions.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
