Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration can still implement a flood control master plan that has not been utilized for decades, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement that the government would revive the existing plan.
In an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Castro expressed confidence that the administration could still carry out the master plan, citing ongoing efforts to address flooding, particularly in Metro Manila.
“Kaya pa, kaya pa,” Castro said when asked whether the Marcos administration could still implement the long-unused flood control master plan.
She pointed to a recent report from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) indicating that the construction of five catchment areas in Metro Manila could already begin.
“Kasi sa ngayon, unang-una dito sa Metro Manila muna tayo. ‘Yung MMDA nag-report na mukhang kakayanin na agad ‘yung lima na catchment, isa ‘yan,” Castro said.
She added that the administration must follow through on the proposals of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the necessary flood control projects are implemented.
“Tapos ngayon kailangan talaga ipatupad ‘yan kung ano ang proposal ng DPWH na dapat gawin, dapat gawin,” she said.
Castro also cited a pumping station project in Central Luzon that was previously shown to the administration by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. The project was reportedly undertaken by a contractor linked to the Discaya family, which has been implicated in alleged “ghost“ flood control and infrastructure projects in various parts of the country.
According to Castro, the pumping station was found to be non-operational but is now being repaired under the Marcos administration to restore its functionality.
She stressed that the priority should be the actual implementation of DPWH’s proposals and ensuring that flood control projects are continuously carried out rather than being revisited only when disasters occur.
Castro also emphasized the need for political will to implement the flood control master plan and address infrastructure problems that affect the proper flow and drainage of water.
