THE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) insisted on Monday that reclamation projects provide protection from storm surges and do not aggravate flooding.
PRA’s remark arose from the comment of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga that reclamation activities restrict the flow of water down natural waterways.
PRA assistant general manager and spokesman Joseph Literal said there is no scientific evidence yet to substantiate claims that reclamation activities increase risks of flooding.
PRA assistant general manager and spokesman Joseph Literal. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
“The PRA relies on rigorous, science-based studies that demonstrate reclamation projects provide protection against storm surges and do not exacerbate flooding,” Literal said.
He cited the admission made by Dr. Mahar Lagmay, executive director of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) and National Institute of Geological Sciences professor at the University of the Philippines, that they do not have any model showing that Manila reclamation projects aggravate flooding.
“[If what Project NOAH] right now have are models showing flooding even without reclamations, then the Filipino public can [expect] that existing reclamation projects do not in any way cause or will cause flooding in Metro Manila,” he said.
Moreover, Literal said the Department of Public Works and Highways has definitively ruled out reclamation as a cause of recent flooding incidents.
He said this position is corroborated by evidence from the Pasay City local government, which attributes the flooding to improper garbage disposal practices.
“President Marcos Jr. has underscored the critical importance of proper trash disposal to prevent drainage blockages and mitigate flood risks,” he added.
According to Literal, all PRA reclamation projects are executed in strict compliance with the highest environmental standards.
“The regular issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificates by the DENR, particularly for Pasay reclamation projects, underscores our commitment to sustainable development and adherence to environmental regulations,” he pointed out.
Be the first to comment