With the country reeling from the devastation caused by Typhoon Karding, a lawmaker has called on Congress’ leadership to deliberate on two pending bills to help mitigate the effects of natural calamities in the future.
“We dodged a bullet because the Sierra Madre once again protected us from the threat of wind and rain, helping us avert a more wide-scale disaster. But we cannot leave our fate and the next storms to chance,” Isabela 6th District Rep. Inno Dy said.
Dy highlighted the role of the Sierra Madre as Luzon’s “storm barrier” protecting the lives of more than 50 million Filipinos and emphasized the need to put a stop to its continued degradation.
“I urge the leadership of the House of Representatives to prioritize all bills that seek to address the climate crisis and its effects on our people,” he added.
Dy is the author of House Bill No. 1214 proposing the creation of the Sierra Madre Conservation and Development Authority (SMCDA).
The said government body is eyed to lead the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive long-term plan to conserve and protect the resources within the 540-kilometer mountain range within the framework of sustainable development.
As the lead agency for the Sierra Madre, the SMCDA will be uniting and coordinating the efforts of various LGUs and government agencies.
Dy highlighted the role of the Sierra Madre as Luzon’s “storm barrier” protecting the lives of more than 50 million Filipinos and emphasized the need to put a stop to its continued degradation.
He also urged deliberations on House Bill No. 1136 that would create the Cagayan River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA).
“As we commemorate Save Sierra Madre Day, I hope that we make the collective commitment to exhaust all efforts in protecting the region. For our part in Congress, this involves coming up with effective legislation,” said the lawmaker.
He also urged deliberations on House Bill No. 1136 which would create the Cagayan River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA).
The CRBDA would be tasked with the rehabilitation, development, and protection of the waterways forming the Cagayan River Basin.
It would also provide overall planning and management, coordinating the efforts of the various agencies, institutions, and local government units for the preservation of the basin formed by the 520-kilometer-long river, which runs along the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.
The Cagayan River Basin encompasses 12 provinces, 122 cities and municipalities, 2,249 barangays, and feeds 23 sub-watersheds.
“Let’s not waste the opportunity to save millions of our fellow Filipinos from the threats of extreme weather events. Kaya’t umaasa po tayo na maisabatas na sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga panukalang ito,” said Dy.
