Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has completed the draft for its National Flood Management Framework, aimed at unifying flood risk reduction efforts across the country.

According to Philippine News Agency, the framework seeks to align flood control strategies with water resources management and long-term economic planning. This marks a shift from traditional approaches that treat floods solely as disasters to be managed post-occurrence. Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that the framework integrates flood management into national development through an Integrated Water Resources Management approach.

Secretary Lotilla elaborated that the framework encourages viewing floodwaters as resources to be captured, stored, and utilized during dry periods, rather than just hazards. This approach positions flood control to support multiple sectors, including irrigation, water supply, energy generation, food security, and environmental protection, while mitigating risks to communities.

Lotilla highlighted the framework's role as a convergence point for various government agencies dealing with water, land use, and infrastructure. With major water and flood-control investments typically managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Irrigation Administration, the framework provides overarching policy guidance to align infrastructure development, watershed management, and local land-use planning. This ensures that public investment not only mitigates floods but also enhances water storage, irrigation, and potable water supply.

In urban and downstream areas, the framework aims to enhance the use of both green and grey infrastructure, supported by modern monitoring and early-warning systems. Lotilla pointed out the institutionalization of flood management coordination under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Infrastructure Committee's Sub-committee on Water Management as a critical step forward.

As part of revising the government's flood management strategy, the DPWH has established an advisory group comprising three flood control experts, including DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, University of the Philippines professor Mahar Lagmay, and Institute of Civil Engineering Prof. Guillermo Tabios III. Moving forward, the DPWH mandates that all future flood projects receive DENR concurrence. The draft framework is currently being circulated among key agencies for refinement and harmonization.