IN PHOTO: Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando visited some parts of damaged bridges and roads in Dona Remedios Trinidad town caused by flooding during the recent typhoon Ulysses.
BULACAN Governor Daniel Fernando said the massive flooding experienced by some provinces including Bulacan after Typhoon Ulysses was caused by climate change, the result of human activity and environmental neglect, and not the releasing of water from dams.
“These floods related to typhoon Ulysses are not the only reason for the release of water from dams. If the dam water management protocol is not being implemented, more lives will be at risk,” Fernando stressed.
The Governor also mentioned based from what the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) had earlier explained, the released of water from dams specially during typhoon are for the safety of the communities who lives near to it.
Fernando insisted that it is time for all government agencies to sit down and discuss climate changes’ mitigation and adaptation.
“While there is still time, I call on everyone, let us act to protect our natural resources – the land, the mountains, and the waters. The government should take the lead in coordinating policies and measures to maintain the cleanliness of the environment, reduce reckless dispersal, combat pollution, and be adequately prepared for the problems of climate change such as typhoons, heavy rains and floods,” Fernando said.
He also called on his fellow public servants to take action instead of ‘pinpointing’ who is to blame. The policy is partly to blame.
“I hope we do not use these event just to score in politics. Instead of looking for a solution, why don’t we work together to find a solution to our problems?” the official added.
As of Tuesday, November, 17, there were 54 barangays in Bulacan including 6 in Paombong, 4 in Pulilan, 1 in Malolos, 4 in Baliwag, 29 in Calumpit, and 13 in Hagonoy, are still submerged.