Lawmaker seeks solution to Laguna flooding

MANILA, Philippines - Flooding in the vicinity of Laguna de Bay, including in some Laguna towns, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and Pateros, can be solved, Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis said the other day.

He told a meeting of officials of the affected areas and concerned government agencies at the House of Representatives that they should find a solution to the perennial flooding in these areas.

San Luis suggested that old canals be revived and pumps be installed to pump out water out of the land and into neighboring farmlands.

“We can use the extra water to irrigate agricultural lands in Laguna and Cavite,” he said.

The officials who attended the meeting included Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Dr. Mahar Lagmay of Project Noah of the Department of Science and Technology and representatives of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Remulla welcomed San Luis’ suggestion.

“I believe Dr. Lagmay of Project Noah when he said that calamities know no boundaries. It is clear to me that if my province can help ease the flooding problem in Laguna, it will be an honor to allow the flushed-out water from Laguna de Bay to flow to Cavite especially since it can be used for irrigation,” he said.

Remulla said officials of the two provinces and concerned government agencies like NIA should seriously assess the proposal.

“We are willing to be part of the solution to this problem,” he added.

NIA representatives promised to conduct an in-depth study of San Luis’ recommendation and other possible solutions to the flooding of areas around Laguna de Bay.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon once complained that excess water from the lake floods and stays for several months in several communities in his district.