Coastal greenbelt bill pushed as stronger storms threaten coasts

Coastal greenbelt bill pushed as stronger storms threaten coasts composite image from INQUIRER files.

MANILA, Philippines — With the rainy season approaching and climate change expected to intensify floods, storms and storm surges, international marine conservation group Oceana urged Congress to fast-track the proposed National Coastal Greenbelt Act, warning that coastal communities remain increasingly vulnerable without stronger natural defenses.

The group said the government should prioritize nature-based solutions, particularly the protection and restoration of mangrove forests, alongside broader disaster risk reduction efforts, rather than relying heavily on flood control infrastructure hounded by corruption allegations and questions about effectiveness.

The appeal comes nearly a year after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects following persistent flooding in different parts of the country.

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