The Philippines - Flood Control Master Plan

Client: Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM).
NVE Mandate: Coordination and responsibility for overall execution of the Norwegian supported project.
Contract value/Duration: MNOK 4.291, started in 2007 and will be completed in 2011.
Type of Activities: Baseline studies and data collection/ management for real time hydrometric network and a flood warning system.
Work Completed 2010:Presentation of “Flood Control Master Plan for Bucayao and Magasawang Tubig Rivers” by NVE to the new Provincial Government, and preparation by NVE and stakeholders of recommendations for implementation of flood protection measures.
Work in Progress 2010: Preparation of final report on Environmental Baseline Study

Background:
Norad requested NVE to assist in the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the project and to facilitate the tendering process. As a result of open competitive bidding, the contract for preparation of the Master Plan was awarded to SWECO Grøner AS (later SWECO NORGE) with its partners in the Philippines, and work started on the study in late 2007.

Activities and Outputs:

• The Flood Protection Plan has been completed and was presented to the new Provincial Government during a workshop in November, 2010.
• Recommendations for future work have been drafted, based upon consultations with stakeholders and local communities during the above workshop.

Resuls/Outcome:
If the various proposals are implemented, the Provincial Government will be in possession of new tools for reducing the flood damage, and might be able to warn people of coming floods. If not implemented, the outcome of the project will be minor, except for the training and capacity building carried out by the consultant.

Even if implemented, however, it is important to notice that without information and public awareness campaigns, and without evacuation plans, the flood forecasting system will have a severely reduced effect once disaster strikes. It should also be noted that although the gender perspective has not been considered important in a project of this nature, women from the local communities and provincial government authorities were encouraged and participated actively during the final workshop in November, 2010, when the draft recommendations were prepared.