Marcos: Reforestation, waste-to-energy initiative to mitigate flood woes

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the government has identified measures to mitigate floods in Metro Manila, as well as other flood-prone areas, including an aggressive reforestation program.

In a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) - Infrastructure and Digital Infrastructure Sector Groups and other concerned agencies in Malacañang on Tuesday, the President said building higher flood walls can help address the impact of floods.

"The Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) recommendations on expanding internet access and strengthening flood mitigation efforts are vital for better connectivity and services in the farthest reaches of our country," Marcos said in a social media post.

"Together with our private sector partners, we are building a future where every Filipino from every corner of the Philippines is connected and empowered to succeed," he added.

The President emphasized that the key to address flooding is the implementation of an aggressive reforestation program.

Still, Marcos said the reforestation efforts of the government to control flooding are insufficient.

The President said the capacity of the government's flood control system has decreased due to the rising population in the country.

Further, addressing the garbage problem through a waste-to-energy initiatives, he added, is also another measure to address flood woes.

All garbage ends up in waterways, Marcos said, making pumping stations fail. He said the watershed areas eventually suffer because of irresponsible garbage disposal.

In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by tropical cyclone Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, Marcos pointed to climate change and trash as the causes of massive flooding that wrought havoc on Metro Manila and other provinces. — VDV, GMA Integrated News