LEGAZPI: Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co on Wednesday proposed the construction of large-scale water impounding facilities across the Bicol region to mitigate flooding and address water scarcity during the dry season.
According to Philippines News Agency, the chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations highlighted the benefits of water impoundment facilities, citing water management as a long-term solution against flooding, as well as the benefits of irrigation and serving residential water needs. The Bicolano solon envisions facilities similar to the six-story-deep water impounding structure in Bonifacio Global City that captures rainwater.
“Such facilities would aid in managing floodwaters and contribute to enhancing food security by supporting increased rice production. By improving irrigation, we can aim for two to three rice cropping per year, much like Japan,” he said. Co said the initiative supports both food security and climate resilience for the region.
He explai
ned that the ‘convergence’ of flood control and irrigation seeks to maximize the use of fresh water for food production rather than allowing it to drain into the sea. Co added that there are ongoing discussions to create tunnel systems via Bicol’s mountain ranges to expedite water diversion to the sea, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“These tunnels would act like a flush system, allowing us to release excess floodwater during extreme weather events,” he explained. AKB continued to assist Bicolanos affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) last week through relief operations.