CAMILING, Tarlac — National and local leaders gathered at the Tarlac Agricultural University Student Alumni Center on October 15, 2026, to start work on a major flood control plan for the province.
The event was the kick-off and orientation for the Comprehensive, Science-Based and Climate-Resilient Flood Mitigation and Drainage Master Plan for the Province of Tarlac. The plan aims to use science and climate-resilient strategies to solve flooding and improve drainage systems across Tarlac.
The event was graced by the participation of Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, Tarlac First District Representative Jaime Cojuangco who was represented by Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, and Pangasinan Second District Representative Mark Cojuangco. Tarlac Third District Representative Noel Rivera, other local chief executives of Tarlac, government officials, and representatives of concerned agencies also attended.
Their participation brings together key stakeholders in advancing coordinated planning, technical collaboration, and evidence-based approaches to flood mitigation.
In her statement, Mayor Susan Yap said the goal is to have more planned and stronger solutions against flooding for Tarlac.
“Mas planado at mas matibay na solusyon laban sa pagbaha para sa Tarlac,” she said.
She said the activity brought together mayors from all over the province, and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon also attended to show support. The Provincial Government of Tarlac fully supports the plan.
Yap said the main goals of the meeting were to identify areas that often flood, study the causes of flooding and drainage problems, and create concrete solutions to reduce the impact on communities. She stressed the importance of coordination among local governments in planning connected drainage systems, especially in areas with linked rivers and waterways.
“Mahalaga ang koordinasyon ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpaplano ng magkakaugnay na drainage systems, lalo na sa mga lugar na may magkakaugnay na ilog at daluyan ng tubig,” Yap said.
With the help of data, scientific analysis, and cooperation between local and national agencies, Yap said they aim to create long-term solutions to protect the people and have safer, more prepared communities across the province of Tarlac.
Governor Christian Yap, said the discussions focused on scientific methods and concrete solutions to flooding. These included the Project NOAH framework for science-based flood-risk planning, data and forecasts from PAGASA, irrigation and waterway management, and the protection of watersheds and other important factors in planning.
“Patuloy po tayong makikipagtulungan sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, pambansang ahensiya, at iba pang katuwang upang maisulong ang mga solusyong magbibigay ng mas ligtas at mas matatag na kinabukasan para sa bawat Tarlaqueño,” the governor said.
The event marks the beginning of a province-wide effort to address flooding through science, cooperation, and long-term planning. Officials hope the master plan will protect communities and make Tarlac more resilient to future disasters.
