Funding for flood control projects slashed by P72 B

Amid public indignation over flood control facilities, proposed funding for flood control projects for 2026 has been trimmed by almost P72 billion, to P274.9 billion from this year’s P346.6 billion, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

- By MARCO LUIS BEECH

But DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government is still reviewing the proposed funding, emphasizing that additional funds may be provided if the projects are clearly identified and supported by proper planning.

"More or less it's around the same amount. Last Friday, I gave Secretary Manny the complete list of flood control projects, and the total was P346.6 billion," Pangandaman said, referring to Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

"So for next year, we're still finalizing it, but it might be the same amount," she said after inspecting the Apalit-Macabebe road in Pampanga, which is still flooded nearly two weeks after being hit by three tropical cyclones intensified by monsoon rains last July.

Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco said they had already raised the Apalit-Macabebe road problem in a 2023 meeting with President Marcos. Two years later, the project remains unfinished, with flooding persisting in the area.

In response, the DBM chief ordered a realignment of funds from completed projects to support the repair of the Apalit-Macabebe road.

"I just found out that we actually have funds allocated to other areas that are already completed or not really needed. They're not a priority, the projects are done, the roads are in good condition, there's no flooding and people can already pass through — but they still have funding," Pangandaman said.