1Tahanan Rep. Gaw Elmer Catulpos is pushing to strengthen the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the agency takes on a bigger role in the national government’s flood mitigation efforts.
During the budget review of the DENR’s proposed P28.041-billion budget for 2027, Catulpos said the agency must have enough personnel and technical capacity to review flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and ensure their alignment with the DENR’s national flood management framework.
More than P100 billion has again been proposed for flood mitigation projects in 2027. According to the DPWH, new flood control projects will undergo DENR concurrence.
“Kaya simple ang tanong natin sa budget hearing: Kung mas malaki ang papel ng DENR sa scientific review, sapat ba ang tao, technical capability at pondo nila?” Catulpos said.
“Kung kulang ang nagbabantay, hindi sapat na sisihin sila,” he added.
Catulpos stressed the need to ensure that flood mitigation projects are scientifically sound and properly planned before public funds are spent.
“Tamang lugar muna bago gumastos. Science muna bago proyekto” the lawmaker added.
