Flood control infrastructure is making a comeback in the national budget after the government allocated ₱107.4 billion for mitigation projects under the proposed ₱7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2027.
Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon confirmed the funding reinstatement on Tuesday, August 11, following the formal submission of the proposed spending plan to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III at the House of Representatives.
”Sa 2027 NEP, mayroon ₱107.4 billion na mga proyekto na mga proyekto under flood control. Kabilang na dyan ang maintenance, repair, rehabilitation at improvement ng mga existing infrastructure,” De Leon shared in a press conference at the House of Representatives.
The decision follows severe weather events that exposed vulnerabilities in existing drainage systems, highlighting the urgent need for functioning flood defenses. Funding for DPWH flood control projects had previously been slashed by ₱255.528 billion from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following corruption allegations highlighted in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
However, De Leon emphasized that abandoning half-built infrastructure poses greater risks to public safety than completing them.
”Hindi naman din po natin pwedeng pabayaan yung mga naumpisahan na na flood control projects. Mas hindi po magiging maayos ang epekto kung mananatiling nakatiwangwang yung mga naumpisahan nang flood control projects,” De Leon noted.
The 2027 allocation will prioritize the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and upgrade of ongoing and existing flood management structures across the country.