Posted on August 6, 2025
BIÑAN CITY, Laguna —Flooding continues to pose a serious challenge in several coastal barangays of Laguna, weeks after the recent typhoon and southwest monsoon, as climate change worsens and Laguna de Bay struggles to contain excess water.
Representative Arman Dimaguila of the Biñan City Lone District pushes for the dredging of Laguna Lake to address the persistent flooding and improve the lake’s water holding capacity, not only for Biñan City but also for neighboring towns surrounding the lake.
Dimaguila proposed House Resolution No. 33 in the 20th Congress, directing the committee on ecology to conduct a review of all flood control projects along Laguna Lake to prevent flooding, improve water quality and to study the possibility of dredging to increase holding capacity.
“It was referred to the Committee on Rules, and incidentally, I’m part of that committee so we’ll be able to closely monitor and follow up on it.”
Through this resolution, the House directs the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and other concerned agencies to study the proposed dredging of Laguna de Bay.
He added: “This is something that’s really necessary. All LGUs along Laguna Lake are affected. Flooding continues, specifically in our areas in San Jose, Dela Paz, Malaban which are still flooded. San Pedro, Santa Rosa, and even Muntinlupa are also experiencing the same. We really have to take action. It has been a long time, many have already pushed for it, and this time, we’re fully committed to seeing it through.”
Dimaguila said that the initiative seeks to prevent the lake from becoming a ‘large septic tank’ filled with not just water but also chemical waste and other pollutants from various industries, which compromise water quality and threaten the surrounding ecosystem and biodiversity.
Although Marikina has proven the effectiveness of dredging, the Biñan solon emphasized that it would be better to focus on dredging Laguna Lake since it serves as the end point of several rivers. All water from these rivers eventually flows into the lake. Without immediate action, the recurring flooding issues during every typhoon or even heavy rainfall will continue to worsen.
“There is a big difference between a river and a lake. A lake is the end point, while a river flows into the lake. So, no matter how well you manage the river, if the lake is already full, the water won’t flow anymore. What we need is to increase the capacity of Laguna Lake so it can accommodate all the floodwater coming from various rivers,” Dimaguila further stated during an interview with Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon.
Other local chief executives, together with Laguna governor Sol Aragones, have expressed their support for this initiative.
Dimaguila also stated that, if given the opportunity, he would be willing to explain this bill to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr, as someone born and raised in the city who is fully aware of the severity of Biñan’s flooding situation. He believes this initiative will benefit not only more Filipinos but also the country and its ecosystem. (CO/PIA4A; Photo from Island Pitiks FB Page)
