The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given its nod to a $303 million loan aimed at mitigating flood and climate risks and protecting the lives and livelihoods of people residing in three major river basins in the country.
The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project –Phase 1 will focus on upgrading and constructing flood protection infrastructure in the Abra river basin situated in the northern Luzon region and the Ranao/Agus and Tagum–Libuganon river basins located in the southern Mindanao region.
These infrastructure enhancements take into account future climate change impacts and incorporate nature-based solutions such as restoring and reconnecting old river channels for natural drainage and reinforcing riverbanks with mangroves and vegetation planting.
“Climate change is expected to raise risks from extreme weather events. These river basin communities are highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, as we have seen in recent years when typhoons destroyed infrastructure, displaced families, and damaged crops,” said ADB Senior Water Resources Specialist Junko Sagara.
“The project will help lessen these risks and improve income and livelihood opportunities, especially for the poor and vulnerable,” Sagara added.