WITH the country still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Tino and bracing for the threat of Typhoon Uwan, Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV issued a dire warning Thursday, declaring the nation’s current disaster preparedness efforts a catastrophic failure and demanding a radical, science-first overhaul.
The senator forcefully called for the immediate re-funding of the highly successful Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) and the full mobilization of world-class Filipino scientists to finally safeguard lives and property against the intensifying fury of the climate crisis.
Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and is vice chair of the Senate finance committee, called for the re-funding of the widely acclaimed Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) and the active recruitment of world-class Filipino scientists.
A call for scientific expertise
The senator insisted that wasting billions on questionable, often ineffective, infrastructure must stop. He pointed out that only a forward-looking, integrated strategy can adequately safeguard lives, livelihoods, and property against the escalating threats of climate change.
“Let’s tap our world-class Filipino scientists and other experts in preventing flooding. Marami silang maiaambag sa pagresolba ng problemang ito,” Aquino said, highlighting the urgency of utilizing the country’s own expertise for comprehensive mitigation strategies.
He criticized the practice of relying on conventional projects, urging investment in programs with a proven track record.
Reviving Project Noah
Aquino specifically pointed to Project Noah, a successful disaster risk reduction and management program focused on accurate flood modeling and early warning systems, which was discontinued by the previous administration despite its lauded achievements.
“Gamitin natin yung Project Noah, kung ano ba yung mga lugar na talagang flood prone, at sana dun mapunta yung flood control budget,” Aquino said, advocating for the immediate redirection of funds from questionable flood control works toward crucial resiliency programs.
The senator’s proposals include:
Refunding Project Noah: To revitalize proven hazard assessment and early warning systems, providing accurate, timely, and localized information to communities.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investing in structures built to withstand stronger typhoons and floods.
Ecological Solutions: Funding for mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and improved urban planning that incorporates natural defenses.
Sustainability, prevention
Aquino pointed out that the continuous cycle of flooding, damage, and costly rehabilitation is both unsustainable and entirely preventable.
He argued that this cycle will only break if the government commits to a scientific, transparent, and expert-led disaster preparedness framework.
His appeal follows a recent spate of natural disasters, specifically the earthquake and subsequent flooding that struck the Visayas region due to Typhoon Tino and the imminent threat posed by Typhoon Uwan over North and Central Luzon.
