Manila: The government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday met with flood control experts from the academe to discuss measures to combat the flood problem and the management of water resources.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the meeting, held at the DPWH main office in Port Area, Manila, was conducted in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to find a long-term solution to the country’s flooding issues. Dizon emphasized the importance of broader coordination with experts and other agencies to develop a science-based flood control plan.

The meeting included Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, director of the University of the Philippines (UP) Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center; Dr. Guillermo Tabios III of the UP Institute of Civil Engineering; and DENR Undersecretary Carlo Primo David. Dizon highlighted the need to address not only flood mitigation but also the overall management of water resources.

Dizon expressed interest in involving the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in future discussions, noting the agency’s significant role in water resources management. He mentioned plans to invite NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen to upcoming meetings, as Guillen was unavailable for the initial discussion.