.. 
NI ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II
SA lawak ng pinsalang dulot ng super bagyong Kristine, higit na angkop ang maagap na pagkilos ng pamahalaan para solusyonan ang pagbaha sa lungsod ng Davao sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa, ayon kay former Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair Karlo Nograles.
Para kay Nograles, mas malubha ang perwisyo ng mga pumasok na bagyo dahil sa kawalan ng maayos na programa at inisyatiba.
“Given this reality, we have to address the flooding issues of Davao sooner rather than later, and doing so will involve urgent public infra solutions as well as eco or green initiatives. In short, comprehensive dapat ang approach natin. Hindi pwedeng reactive at piecemeal ang diskarte. Buhay at kabuhayan kasi ang nakasalalay kapag nagbabaha sa Davao City,” hirit ng former three-termer congressman na sasagupa laban kay former President Rodrigo Duterte para sa posisyon ng mayor pagsapit ng 2025 midterm elections.
Aniya, hindi dapat hayaan maging “normal” ang pagbaha sa mga urbanisadong lungsod tulad ng Davao, kasabay ng giit na hindi alintana ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon ang epekto sa ekonomiya sa tuwing lulubog sa baha ang Davao.
Inihalimbawa ng dating CSC head ang Magsaysay at JP Laurel Avenues, kasama na ang Matina area na kamakailan ay nakaranas ng halos hanggang baywang na baha.
“Seasonal heavy rains and flooding are already part of our lives because of climate change. So we need to focus on doable solutions, those we can control and implement. We need to upgrade our drainage systems. Increase efforts and invest in heavy equipment to always desilt and declog our canals. We need to revisit the anti-flooding programs recommended by JICA and find a way to mobilize funds for these,” dagdag ni Nograles.
“But let’s not just end with infrastructure fixes because incorporating nature-based solutions to mitigate flood risks is equally important. Planting more trees and enforcing stricter regulations on waste and trash disposal are crucial. Of course, we always welcome inputs from Davaoeños because everyone is a stakeholder here. Nasaan ka man at sino ka man sa Davao City, apektado ka ng ulan at baha,” aniya pa.
“Nothing beats preparation. Davao City is a premiere city in Mindanao and in the country. We have the skills, the local talent and the proper mindset to protect it and our residents from damaging floods. Kaya natin ito basta sama-sama tayong kikilos at gagalaw.”
