NAGA CITY: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has proposed a reassessment of the Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP) to prevent future severe flooding in the region during extreme weather events. Marcos emphasized the importance of revisiting the program, initially launched in the early 1970s, during a situation briefing at the Naga City Hall to evaluate the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
According to Philippines News Agency, despite the challenges encountered during its initial implementation, the BRBDP provided significant flood prevention benefits to the Bicol region. Marcos noted that the project was left incomplete following a change in government in 1986. He highlighted the need to adapt the program to contemporary climate conditions, citing the increased rainfall brought by Storm Kristine compared to the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy.
The BRBDP was originally initiated by Marcos’ father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., with a focus on geography-based development in the Bicol Regio
n. The program included irrigation and land consolidation projects, which contributed to the development of rural organizations and institutions. President Marcos underscored the necessity to prioritize flood control in the current context, as the recent storm resulted in landslides and widespread flooding.
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, along with support from the Asian Development Bank and the European Economic Community, the original program benefitted approximately 400 villages with communal water systems and environmental sanitation facilities.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan announced during the briefing that the Korea Export-Import Bank has committed to funding a flood control project in the Bicol region. Bonoan outlined plans to begin the engineering design of the project by early 2025, with completion expected by late 2025 or early 2026, allowing for the commencement of civil works.
In addition, Marcos ordered a review of quarryin
g operations in Albay province, responding to a request from acting Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao.