Voices for Resilience: Flood Control and Mitigation Forum

At PH Haiyan, we believe that solutions to climate disasters begin with dialogue, collaboration, and community-led action.

This forum brought together local leaders, engineers, advocates, and citizens to create master plan for flood control and sustainable development in Tacloban and nearby areas.

Rationale of the Forum

Our first step was in 2015, when we organized the Region 8 Conference on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, gathering 500 participants from different sectors. From this conference, we forged an old vision : to make Tacloban a model city for climate resiliency.

In 2017, we brought this vision to life by proposing and implementing a 46-hectare mangrove reforestation project along Tacloban's coastline, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mangroves, as we all know, are nature's first line of defense agaisnt storm surges - a lesson painfully learned during Yolanda.

We also recognize the importance of empowering the youth, so in 2017, we organized the first Regional Conference on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation for College students. This gathered 250 students from all State Universities in Region 8, creating a new generation of climate advocates.

In recent years, PH Haiyan Advocacy expanded our vision. We submitted proposals for the reforestation and development of a 364-hectare watershed above BALUGO Falls in Barangay Salvacion, as well as the creation of a climate Resiliency Learning Center that can accommodate 200 people - a hub where experts, students and community leaders can work together on climate solutions.

THE URGENCY OF FORUM

In November 2024, we were once again reminded of how vulnerable we still are. Tropical Storm Kristine submerged entire areas in Bicol and Naga City, and it became clear that Taclobanon's flood control systems must be reviewed - not after another disaster, but now, before the next storm comes.

This is why we reached out to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and requested a copy of Tacloban City's Flood Control Master Plan.

The forum is organized in partnership with the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU).

To demonstrate our collective resolve, PH Haiyan Advocacy, in collaboration with local leaders, experts, and stakeholders, sperheaded the Flood Control Mitigation Forum. A key outcome of this forum was the signing of the Manifesto of Commitment for a Flood-Free Tacloban, a pledge that unites government agencies, academic institutions, civic organizations, and residents in a shared mission to implement sustainable flood control solutions.