Legarda Cautions: More Disasters Will Come if Flood Control Measures are Not Implemented

IN LIGHT OF RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND ENSUING FLOODS, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA CAUTIONED THAT UNLESS THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT LAW AND FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS ARE PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, THE COUNTRY IS GOING TO FACE MORE DISASTERS AKIN TO THE TRAGEDIES CAUSED BY STRONG TYPHOONS LIKE ONDOY AND SENDONG.
“Despite the nation’s horrible experiences during storms or typhoons in the very recent past, the problem of flooding persists in Metro Manila. We must ask our public officials: Were road repairs accomplished before the start of the rainy season? Was there de-clogging of esteros? Is the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 being properly implemented?” said Legarda, stressing that natural hazards turn into disasters with lack of preparedness.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, explained that aside from the flood control projects of the DPWH and MMDA, the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 should be given utmost priority.
The said law, which Legarda authored, provides for recycling as well as segregation of garbage at its source, segregated transportation, processing, treatment and proper disposal of solid waste.
“Improper waste management is causing many of these destructive floods. With flooding comes sickness, loss of livelihood, and chaos. I implore our local government officials and agencies not to be reactive. Do not focus merely on relief and rehabilitation efforts. The right attitude is to be proactive—preventing the occurrence of floods by finding solutions to end what causes it,” she said.
“Let us not wait for another Ondoy or another Sendong. Let us be inspired by a sense of urgency and act now. We need to enjoin everyone to ensure that we do not fall victim to any more disasters brought about by lack of planning and preparation, and that includes monitoring the implementation of waste management laws and flood control projects,” Legarda concluded.