OVER the past two decades, Pangasinan was always one of the worst-hit provinces in north and central Luzon each time a super typhoon hit the province.

Yet so far, the Pangasinan provincial government has only gone as far as creating the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PPDRRMO), essentially in compliance with R.A. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act). Unfortunately, It only provides for “a coherent, integrated, efficient, and responsive disaster management at all levels that will be prepared.”

It’s about responding to disasters and emergencies, providing “strategies, organization, tasks of concerned agencies and local government units and other guidelines in dealing with disaster or emergencies.”

While the PPDRRMO has been performing its mandate, from launching rescue operations in major disaster areas to assisting evacuation efforts, the provincial and local governments have no plans for the development of infrastructure for flood mitigation in critical areas.

Without the plans, Pangasinenses can never hope to see their villages saved from regular damaging inundation. But there is a way to keep Pangasinenses safe and that’s to involve the national government.  Take the case of the budget provided by the national government for the elevation of roads and drainage systems in Dagupan City based on plans submitted by the DPWH and endorsed by Rep. Christopher de Venecia.

The plan took a series of consultation meetings for the assessment and evaluation of priorities before it deserved a budget that was included in the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

So, unless and until the Guico administration and officials of the PPDRRMO initiate consultation meetings with DPWH and LGU officials of towns on a district basis to assess flooding disaster risks and determine levels of priority for flood mitigation programs, the national government cannot be expected to assist in this critical, worsening environmental issue.

The Guico administration succeeded in developing plans for the Pangasinan Link Expressway to improve access to the western towns, a provincewide flood mitigation program endorsed by the province’s six district representatives can be its added legacy.

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