(Photo by PIA)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The House of Representatives has pledged to pursue long-term solutions to recurring flooding in communities surrounding Laguna de Bay following a public consultation held in Calamba City on October 9.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III led the sixth leg of LegisHear: Bawat Batas Mahalaga, a nationwide legislative consultation and oversight initiative aimed at gathering public concerns and recommendations to guide policymaking.
The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive flood mitigation and management plan for the Laguna Lake Basin, where rising water levels have repeatedly affected residents and livelihoods.
Dy assured participants that their recommendations would be considered in crafting legislation and monitoring the implementation of government programs.
He also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between the national government and private sector to address persistent flooding, particularly when Laguna de Bay reaches critical water levels.
Biñan Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr., a principal sponsor of House Resolution No. 906, proposed dredging Laguna de Bay to increase its water-holding capacity and rehabilitating the lake to improve water quality.
Dimaguila said heavy siltation and pollution have reduced the lake’s effective depth, contributing to rising water levels and flooding in surrounding communities.
Citing findings from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he noted that water flowing from tributaries, the Manggahan Floodway, and the Napindan Channel contributes to fluctuations in Laguna de Bay’s water level.
As a possible long-term measure, Dimaguila proposed revisiting the Parañaque Spillway Project, originally introduced in 1975, which would provide an outlet for excess lake water toward Manila Bay.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Dy for short- and medium-term flood control measures and additional resources for Laguna.
He said the province’s seven congressional representatives and the provincial government are working together to identify priority programs and infrastructure projects.
Dy reiterated that the LegisHear consultations aim to bring community concerns directly to Congress and ensure that proposed laws and government interventions respond to local needs.
