Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on Wednesday to deliberate on proposals designed to enhance the resilience of the Philippines' infrastructure and secure the nation's water resources. This marked the President's eighth meeting with the PSAC at Malaca±an Palace, concentrating on strategies to bolster infrastructure safety and resilience against disasters, as stated by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agenda covered vital issues such as structural resilience, building safety, quality and safety of imported cement, disaster resilience, flood management, and water security. Castro highlighted the crucial role of ongoing government-private sector collaboration in tackling infrastructure and climate-related challenges.
Castro remarked, "Sa tulong ng pinagsamang kilos ng pamahalaan at mga rekomendasyon ng private sector, inaasahang magiging mas ligtas at matibay ang ating mga imprastraktura laban sa mga sakuna gamit ang building materials na mas mataas ang kalidad," emphasizing the administration's goal to enhance the safety and resilience of infrastructure with higher-quality building materials through coordinated efforts and private sector recommendations.
The meeting addressed flood mitigation strategies for communities around Laguna de Bay and southern Metro Manila. Discussions also included proactive measures and responses to climate-related water risks to improve the nation's water security and climate resilience.
Further emphasis was placed on expediting the development of water infrastructure projects across the country. President Marcos previously underscored the importance of adhering to quality construction standards and reinforcing the structural resilience of buildings in disaster scenarios.
He called for updates to master plans for major river basins, a review of the proposed spillway construction in Para±aque City, and the accelerated completion of water supply projects in areas severely impacted by the El Ni±o phenomenon.
Government officials and private-sector experts present at the meeting exchanged policy recommendations and initiatives to address key infrastructure and development issues. The implementation of PSAC's recommendations is anticipated to yield safer, disaster-resilient infrastructure, reduced flood risks around Laguna de Bay and southern Metro Manila, and improved water security and climate resilience.
