DPWH creates inter-agency panel for flood management

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has created an Inter-Agency Steering Committee (IASC) to revise the master plan for flood management in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said this is necessary to reduce the vulnerability of Metro Manila and nearby areas to floods due to climate change. "(IASC's) primary task is to conduct a risk assessment study for Metro Manila and surrounding basin area to support the preparation of a comprehensive flood risk management," the DPWH said in a news release. "The IASC will also determine a set of priority structural and non-structural measures that will provide sustainable flood management up to a designated safety level," the DPWH added. The IASC will conduct consultations, meetings, workshops, and seminars to incorporate the concerns of stakeholders into the risk assessment. The IASC has two steering committee levels: the High-Level IASC and the Technical-Level IASC. While the high-Level IASC will oversee the preparation of master plan and provide policy direction, the Technical-Level IASC will act as oversight committee who will provide support and guidance on technical and administrative matters. Composing the High-Level IASC are the heads of: