The master plan covering the country’s 18 major river basins is now being revisited and re-evaluated, according to former Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) commissioner Rogelio “Babes” Singson, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

In an interview on DZRH, Singson said the review involves river basins spanning 68 provinces and could significantly help address severe flooding nationwide.

He stressed the urgent need to update project standards, noting that weather patterns have changed and rainfall has become heavier and more frequent than in previous years.

Singson said the proposed projects could cost between ₱800 billion and ₱900 billion and would take around three to four years to implement.

He added that the projects could have already been completed if the ₱1.7 trillion allocated for flood control projects over the past decade had been properly utilized.

The former ICI commissioner also clarified that he serves only as a part-time adviser to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Singson urged DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon not to abandon flood control projects despite ongoing issues related to corruption, emphasizing their importance in mitigating flooding and protecting communities.