Introduction: A Rising Budget, Persistent Impacts
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has increasingly funneled funds into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience in recent years. Yet the latest policy note from the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) asserts that the country continues to experience high disaster impacts. The juxtaposition raises urgent questions about how effectively DRR spending translates into real-world protection for communities.
Rising DRR Allocations and the Budget Landscape
According to UP-NCPAG, DRR-related allocations now constitute a large share of the DPWH budget. In 2025, DRR infrastructure funding reached P926 billion, or about 83% of the agency’s total budget. This dwarfs the Flood Management Program’s P248 billion tag. A similar pattern appears in 2023 and 2024, with DRR shares of 73% and 83% respectively. The policy note argues that despite these substantial resources, disaster impacts remain unacceptably high, signaling inefficiencies in how funds are deployed.
Disaster Outcomes vs. Investment: The Core Concern
UP-NCPAG notes that while DPWH remains central to reducing disaster risk, the correlation between higher DRR spending and reduced damages is not evident. There is concern that investments in flood control infrastructure may be of mixed quality. When many projects are substandard or poorly maintained, protective effects can be limited, leaving communities vulnerable to flooding despite large capital outlays.
Key Data Highlights
- 2015–2024: DPWH recorded the highest climate change expenditures among government agencies, driven largely by flood mitigation and control projects (P375 billion in 2024 alone).
- National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (NDRRM) Fund: DPWH has consistently been a top recipient, receiving about 46% of annual releases between 2018–2024, plus additional allocations via unprogrammed appropriations.
- Shadow projects: UP-NCPAG warns that as much as P115 billion in 2025 General Appropriations Act may have gone to shadow flood control projects outside the official Flood Management Program.
The Policy Recommendations: What Change Is Needed?
To address perceived governance and effectiveness gaps, UP-NCPAG outlines concrete steps:
- Expand independent investigations: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure should broaden its remit beyond flood-control projects tagged under the Flood Management Program to include related disaster infrastructure.
- Reorganize DRR governance: Consider transferring the DPWH’s DRR functions to a dedicated agency to ensure focused accountability and clearer performance metrics.
- Improve project quality and maintenance: Implement stringent standards for flood-control infrastructure, with robust post-construction monitoring and maintenance budgets to ensure longevity and effectiveness.
Regional Impacts: Case in Point
The UP-NCPAG report highlights Albay as a case where flood-control expenditures have not matched outcomes. Although the province has seen extensive flood mitigation work since 2018, it reported substantial infrastructure damage in the following years. The pattern echoes across other regions, underscoring systemic challenges beyond the scope of single-agency funding decisions.
Conclusion: Budget Isn’t the Only Answer
The central takeaway from UP-NCPAG’s policy note is not that DRR funding should be cut but that funding must be paired with governance reforms, rigorous project evaluation, and oversight. In an era of escalating climate risks, the country needs a comprehensive approach that translates budget lines into tangible protection for communities. Without stronger accountability and quality controls, even record DRR investment risks falling short of its promise to reduce disaster impacts.
