Manila, September 5, 2025 — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday emphasized the need for science-driven approaches to flood control, urging stronger collaboration between government agencies and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“Science and engineering, not politics, must guide flood control,” Cayetano said, following the announcement by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. that the agency possesses the necessary tools and data to support the development of basin-wide, sustainable flood control strategies.
These tools include digital elevation models, geohazard maps, and advanced forecasting systems, which, according to Solidum, can inform infrastructure planning that aligns with environmental and community realities.
Senator Cayetano, a long-time advocate for evidence-based policymaking, welcomed the initiative and reiterated his position that scientific data—rather than political considerations—should inform flood mitigation projects. As early as 2023, he had called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize DOST’s technical input over political influence in the planning and implementation of flood control programs.
During a 2023 Senate hearing, Cayetano argued that investing in accurate hazard mapping could significantly reduce long-term infrastructure costs. “If you allocate ₱30 to ₱40 billion for comprehensive hazard mapping, you may not need to spend ₱250 billion on flood control in the future,” he said.
He reaffirmed this during deliberations on the proposed 2025 DPWH budget, pointing out that political decisions continue to override technical recommendations. “The pandemic taught us the value of science-based planning. But why is it that, at DPWH, political voices still prevail?” he asked.
Cayetano also cited cases such as the repeated elevation of MacArthur Highway without corresponding upgrades to adjacent roads, which, he said, has worsened flooding in surrounding areas.
The senator concluded by calling for greater inter-agency coordination and for the public dissemination of DOST’s technical data to guide local government units (LGUs) in implementing effective, long-term flood control solutions.| – Balikas.net
