The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is evaluating an unexecuted flood control master plan originally established under former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Friday, September 4, that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is engaged in inter-agency discussions regarding the historic Aquino-Singson master plan while concurrently advancing current flood mitigation infrastructure.
”[N]akikipag-ugnayan po ang DPWH regarding po doon sa Aquino-Singson masterplan,” Castro said in an television interview.
She clarified that Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon is spearheading these efforts. She noted that the department’s focus since Dizon assumed leadership has primarily targeted the country’s major river basin systems.
”Ngayon po ay inaayos na po ito at nakikipag-ugnayan po si Secretary Vince Dizon. Kasi po noong panahon po ni Secretary Vince Dizon, noong siya po ay pumasok, ang ipinapatupad po at isinasaayos ay ang major river basins,” Castro added.
According to Malacañang, evaluating the legacy blueprint will move forward simultaneously with the DPWH’s active construction and maintenance of river basin protection projects.
Castro indicated that several river basin initiatives have achieved completion, while remaining infrastructure projects are currently underway, with multiple sites scheduled for completion prior to December 2026.
During a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday, Castro reiterated that primary government resources remain concentrated on major river systems.
”Ang hawak po ni Secretary Vince Dizon katulad ng kanyang binabanggit ay tungkol sa major river basins. At patungkol sa binabanggit na masterplan, hindi nga po ito naipaabot noon dahil from Secretary Babes Singson, naipaabot daw diumano sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, at noong ako mismo ang nagtanong kay Secretary Bonoan noon ay wala po siyang nahawakang masterplan,” Castro said.
She noted that while Dizon’s immediate mandate prioritized river basins upon taking office, active coordination on the Aquino-Singson blueprint is now concurrently proceeding.
”So, si Secretary Vince Dizon, noong siya ay na-appoint, ang tinutugunan niya ngayon ay iyong tungkol sa major river basins. At ngayon ay nakikipag-ugnayan na rin po siya patungkol doon sa Aquino-Singson masterplan,” Castro added.
Castro emphasized that major river basin development remains a central priority for President Marcos to minimize widespread flooding and mitigate heavy rainfall during severe weather events.
However, she noted that previous blueprints will undergo thorough reassessment to ensure alignment with modern environmental demands.
”So, iyong mga masterplans noon ay hindi na po ito naipatupad noon at maaaring hindi na po ito tugma sa ngayong kasalukuyang panahon,” she added.