The Philippines has been identified as the most at-risk nation for flooding in the 2025 World Risk Index, according to a briefing presented to lawmakers on Tuesday. The ranking places the country first among 193 nations, underscoring the growing threat of climate-related disasters.
Speaking before the House Committees on Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change, Forest Foundation Philippines representative Alaya de Leon said the country’s position is not new due to its location and exposure to severe weather. “We are at the top spot, yet again. We’re always somewhere in the top 3, because of our high geographic fragmentation and high exposure to weather-related extremes,” she noted.
De Leon emphasized that this year’s report highlights uneven flood risks across regions, driven by differences in geography, infrastructure, and land-use planning. “The focus of this report this year is on floods,” she said, adding that sustainable, nature-based approaches must be prioritized.
Members of Congress expressed support for environmentally grounded strategies rather than purely infrastructure-heavy interventions. House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals chairperson Rep. Jose Manuel Alba warned against relying on large-scale construction that could further harm ecosystems. “Over the years, we have all come to realize that climate change et al cannot be solved by massive infrastructure programs,” he said, citing dams and sea walls as examples.
Climate advocates in the chamber highlighted how nature-based solutions could also boost community livelihoods. “Beyond environmental benefits, NBS can also provide sustainable livelihoods for nature-dependent communities,” said House Committee on Climate Change chairperson Rep. Aniela Tolentino. She added that her panel is pushing the passage of a low-carbon economy bill, while the environment department drafts rules for nature-based interventions.
Other lawmakers called attention to public anger over corruption tied to flood-control spending, saying the issue surfaces every storm season. “Every time na umuulan, bumabagyo, bumabaha ay lalong umiinit ang galit ng taumbayan,” said ACT Teachers Party List Rep. Antonio Tinio, who urged the administration to “wakasang ang korapsyon.”
Gabriela Party List Rep. Sarah Elago echoed the call to move past questionable flood-control programs and instead invest in genuine disaster readiness and environmental protection. “Ang pinakamalaking tulong talaga ay iyong tunay na disaster preparedness,” she said, stressing nature-based defenses and community-level preparedness.
