MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino has called on the government to tap Filipino scientists in crafting science-based flood control measures and to redirect significant funds toward climate resiliency projects that can save lives and protect communities.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the government must invest in integrated and scientific solutions to address the causes of flooding, from infrastructure deficiencies to the effects of climate change.

“Panahon na para gumamit ng ibang istratehiya. Let’s tap our world-class Filipino scientists and other experts in preventing flooding. Marami silang maiaambag sa pagresolba ng problemang ito,” Aquino said.

He urged that funds for questionable and ineffective flood control projects be rechanneled to programs such as climate-resilient infrastructure, mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and improved urban planning.

“Sa halip na gumasta tayo ng daang-bilyong piso sa flood control projects na kadalasa’y palpak at pinagmumulan pa ng katiwalian, pondohan natin ang mga programang tiyak na magbibigay proteksiyon sa taumbayan at sa ating kinabukasan,” he added.

Aquino filed a resolution urging the appropriate Senate committees to review how the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other implementing agencies have spent the ₱360 billion flood control budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. He cited instances where projects were built in areas without a history of flooding.

“There is a need to review the flood control strategies being implemented by the DPWH and other concerned agencies to be more cost-effective, suitable, innovative, and efficient to address the worsening conditions during the typhoon season in the Philippines,” Aquino said in his resolution.

He noted that despite the ₱1.47 trillion allocated for flood control from 2009 to 2024, the country continues to suffer from poor drainage systems, ineffective flood measures, outdated pumping stations, and a lack of community-based flood risk management.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe, Aquino also stressed that part of the flood control budget should instead finance the construction of classrooms in public schools.

“Iyong kakulangan sa classroom ay di hamak maliit pa sa flood control budget ng taong ito,” Aquino said. “Iyon ang 350 billion or 500 billion na binibigay sa flood control, mas malaki pa iyon sa kailangan natin sa lahat ng classroom na kakulangan sa ating bansa.”