The Provincial Government of Cavite reaffirmed its commitment to disaster resilience and effective governance through two significant meetings held on March 23, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City: the Flood Mitigation Committee (FMC) Meeting and the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) Meeting.
The Flood Mitigation Committee Meeting was convened by Ms. Annabel Cayabyab, Head of the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO), on behalf of Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla. The meeting brought together key officials and stakeholders involved in the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRIMP), alongside representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and partner agencies.
Notable participants from JICA included Mr. Aoki Nobuhiko, Ms. Catherine Palanca, and Ms. Shino Yamauchi, while local government units from Imus City, Bacoor City, General Trias City, Kawit, Rosario, and Noveleta were also represented, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.
During the session, Mr. Shuji Kaku, CIA-FRIMP Project Team Leader, and Ms. Mimi Estaris, Non-Structural Measures (NSM) Specialist, presented updates on ongoing flood mitigation efforts, covering both structural interventions such as drainage improvements and pumping stations, and non-structural measures including early warning systems, community preparedness, and land-use planning. Engr. Aurelio Mendoza, Project Manager of DPWH-UPMO, further contributed technical insights that enriched the discussion and planning process.
The FMC continues to serve as a vital platform for coordination, strengthening partnerships among national agencies, local government units, and development partners toward enhancing flood management systems and building safer, more resilient communities across Cavite.
On the same day, the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) Meeting was held and presided over by Provincial Administrator Engr. Gilbert Gandia. The meeting gathered representatives from various government agencies and stakeholders to ensure alignment and coordination in infrastructure and development projects across the province.
A key highlight of the LIAC meeting was the discussion of the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 12289, also known as the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ROW) Act. The law aims to streamline and expedite the acquisition of right-of-way for national government infrastructure projects, addressing common delays caused by land acquisition issues. Discussions emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in implementing the law effectively, ensuring fair compensation, minimizing displacement concerns, and accelerating project delivery.
The LIAC serves as a critical mechanism for harmonizing policies, resolving implementation issues, and ensuring that national and local development initiatives are carried out efficiently and in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Together, these meetings highlight the Provincial Government of Cavite’s proactive approach in addressing flood risks while strengthening institutional coordination, paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its constituents. — OPIO