A party-list lawmaker is calling for the nationwide rollout of water catchment systems to combat catastrophic flooding caused by typhoons, monsoons, and dam discharges.
Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Robert Nazal warned that without sustainable water retention systems, the country will continue to face severe losses during weather disturbances. He emphasized the importance of localized catchment infrastructure for flood prevention and food security.
Nazal has filed House Bill 830, which seeks to build farm-level water catchment systems nationwide. The measure offers tax incentives, financing support, and technical assistance to participating communities and farmers.
Former BH representative Bernadette Herrera echoed Nazal’s call, saying the government has failed to learn from disasters like Typhoon Ulysses. “Five years after Ulysses, we’re still seeing the same deadly pattern,” she said, citing the lack of catchment basins and poor dam management.
The call comes as PAGASA reported water releases from five major dams in Luzon, contributing to widespread flooding. Nazal stressed that “dams alone cannot carry the burden” and highlighted the need for community-level buffers to absorb excess rain.
