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Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Flood task force eyed for Central Luzon

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AERIAL VIEW OF FLOODING IN SAN SIMON / AUGUST 15, 2026 An aerial photograph shows expansive floodwaters submerging communities in San Simon, Pampanga, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The entire province of Pampanga has been placed under a state of calamity following persistent heavy rains brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). According to the Pampanga Provincial Information Office (PIO), agricultural damages across the province have already surpassed ₱505 million as vast farmland remains underwater. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
An aerial photograph shows expansive floodwaters submerging communities in San Simon, Pampanga, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA, Philippines — A Pampanga business leader has proposed creating a multisectoral Central Luzon Flood Management Task Force to review and integrate existing flood control plans into a science-based, long-term regional flood management master plan.

Renato Romero, a senior fellow of the Pampanga Business Circle and longtime private sector representative in the Regional Development Council (RDC), made the proposal in letters sent on Monday, Aug. 24, to the RDC and President Marcos, as well as governors and business chambers in the region.

READ: 7.5M people affected by ‘habagat,’ tropical cyclones – NDRRMC

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Romero said Central Luzon continues to experience recurring and prolonged flooding despite substantial government spending on flood control infrastructure.

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READ: Several areas in Luzon under a state of calamity

He said the proposed task force would not start another planning process from scratch but would review existing studies and projects, identify gaps.

Romero proposed that the RDC bring together national government agencies, local governments, technical experts, academe, the private sector and affected communities, with the private sector serving as a watchdog. /cb

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