03/09/2026
: Our FOREST is the BEST FLOOD CONTROL. It deserves our care and protection as it, in turn, protects us, our livelihoods, and our communities.
The past days have seen devastating floods across Central and Northern Luzon as rains intensify and rivers overflow. Lives have been lost and livelihoods destroyed. Thousands, especially those in low-lying communities, have to contend with rebuilding their homes and lives, while highland communities have to clear landslides and flee to safer ground.
It has always been like this for many years, and despite billions worth of flood control projects, flooding seems to have worsened. The question now is, where did we go wrong? Well, the answer is complex.
However, one thing is clear. The continued degradation of our mountains due to deforestation, mining, logging, and conventional agriculture is inextricably linked with persistent and even more destructive flooding and landslides. The disturbance in the highlands flows to the lowlands. Everything is connected. Add to this the intensifying impacts of climate change.
Scientists have long warned that as we lose the forests, we'll see more of these floods. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that forests cover only 24.3% of the Philippines, a dangerously low number considering the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
It is for this reason that PRDP has been actively engaging with communities to protect their forests through sustainable farming systems and climate-resilient infrastructure. It recognizes that nature-based solutions such as forest preservation ensure community resilience and productivity.
But this effort can only do so much.
Abating this national flooding crisis entails a national and multi-sectoral scale that addresses the root cause, not just patching solutions in the form of concrete or technology. With billions being poured into flood control projects, it's time to ask: are we putting the money right where it should be? Or should we be investing in protecting what's left of Philippine forests and restoring degraded mountains while building sustainable livelihoods for our communities?
Well, everyone can answer these differently. What about you? Care to share your thoughts on the comment section below?
