Name: Princess Shane S.

Paron Subject: EAPP

Grade and Section: 12- Acacia Date: September 17, 2025

REACTION PAPER

Flooding remains one of the Philippines’ most persistent problems due to its geographical
location and frequent exposure to strong typhoons and monsoon rains. Over the years, the government
has launched major flood control projects such as the construction of dikes, drainage systems, pumping
stations, and diversion channels to protect lives and property. These efforts demonstrate recognition of
the urgent need for disaster prevention. However, I believe that the success of these projects is
hindered by weak governance and inconsistent implementation, which limit their ability to provide long-
term protection.

First, I am troubled by the slow pace of project completion and the recurring reports of
inefficiency. Despite billions of pesos allocated to flood mitigation, some projects remain unfinished or
fail to meet technical standards (Commission on Audit [COA], 2024). This not only wastes public funds
but also exposes communities to repeated flooding. It is frustrating to know that people continue to
suffer while promised infrastructure remains incomplete or poorly maintained.

Second, the distribution of resources for flood control projects often reflects unequal priorities.
Major urban centers like Metro Manila receive the bulk of funding, while many rural provinces remain
vulnerable with little or no flood mitigation infrastructure (Department of Public Works and Highways
[DPWH], 2023). For me, this imbalance highlights a lack of inclusive planning and shows how
marginalized communities are left behind despite being equally exposed to climate-related disasters.

Third, allegations of corruption in procurement and bidding processes further weaken public
confidence. Investigations have revealed instances where project costs were inflated or contracts were
awarded to favored contractors without proper competitive bidding (Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,
2024). Knowing that funds intended to save lives are sometimes lost to irregularities is disheartening
and underscores the need for stronger oversight and transparency.

While recent government actions such as the creation of independent monitoring bodies and
the review of major projects are steps in the right direction, they will remain insufficient unless matched
by strict enforcement of anti-corruption policies and regular performance audits. For me, the issue of
flood control is not merely about building infrastructure; it is about responsible governance and
protecting human dignity. Only when transparency, fairness, and efficiency are prioritized can these
projects truly safeguard the Filipino people.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Commission on Audit. (2024). Annual audit report on national flood control projects.

COA.https://www.coa.gov.ph

Department of Public Works and Highways. (2023). Flood management master plan for major
river basins.

DPWH. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. (2024). Report on anomalies in government infrastructure

projects. Senate of the Philippines. https://senate.gov.ph

World Bank. (2023). Strengthening climate resilience in Philippine infrastructure. World Bank

Group. https://www.worldbank.org
Name: Princess Shane S. Paron. Subject: EAPP

Grade and Section: 12- Acacia. Date: September 17, 2025

REVIEW PAPER

The Philippines, located in the typhoon belt of the Pacific, faces frequent and destructive floods
that threaten communities, infrastructure, and economic growth. To mitigate these risks, the national
government has implemented a variety of flood control projects, including the construction of levees,
pumping stations, drainage networks, and diversion channels. These interventions are central to disaster
risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies. This review summarizes key studies on the
government’s flood control efforts, synthesizes evidence on their effectiveness, and identifies areas that
require further research and policy reform.

Flood control is a critical component of national disaster management, and substantial

investments have been made in large-scale infrastructure. The Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH, 2023) highlights the Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan, which aims to
reduce flooding through engineering works and improved drainage. However, the World Bank (2023)
notes that the long-term success of such projects depends on regular maintenance, sufficient funding,
and coordination among local government units.

Despite these initiatives, recurring audit reports reveal inefficiencies. The Commission on Audit
(2024) found that some projects suffer from delays, incomplete construction, and lack of technical
compliance, which diminish their capacity to reduce flood risks. These findings indicate that while
planning and funding exist, the gap between policy design and on-the-ground implementation remains
wide.

Equity in project allocation is another challenge. Studies show that while Metro Manila receives
the largest share of funding, rural provinces with high exposure to typhoons and heavy rainfall often
remain underserved (DPWH, 2023). This uneven distribution of resources exacerbates the vulnerability
of poor and remote communities.

Furthermore, governance issues undermine project outcomes. The Senate Blue Ribbon
Committee (2024) reported cases of procurement irregularities, including inflated costs and preferential
awarding of contracts. Such practices erode public trust and reduce the financial resources available for
actual construction, weakening the overall impact of flood control efforts.

The reviewed evidence underscores that while the Philippine government recognizes the
urgency of flood control and has invested heavily in infrastructure, persistent issues of project delays,
unequal funding distribution, and governance weaknesses hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives.
To address research gaps and policy shortcomings, future studies should evaluate the long-term
performance of completed projects and the socioeconomic benefits of community-based flood
management. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enforcing transparent procurement processes,
and ensuring equitable allocation of resources are essential to safeguard communities and build national
resilience against flooding.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Commission on Audit. (2024). Annual audit report on national flood control projects.

COA.https://www.coa.gov.ph

Department of Public Works and Highways. (2023). Flood management master plan for major

river basins. DPWH. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. (2024). Report on anomalies in government infrastructure

projects. Senate of the Philippines. https://senate.gov.ph

World Bank. (2023). Strengthening climate resilience in Philippine infrastructure. World Bank

Group. https://www.worldbank.org

Asian Development Bank. (2022). Integrated flood risk management in Southeast Asia: Lessons

for the Philippines. ADB. https://www.adb.org