LU Cong. Paolo Proposes Bill for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
La Union Representative Paolo Ortega files House Bill 11415 for green public works.
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Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V filed House Bill No. 11415 to mandate climate-resilient designs and eco-friendly standards for government construction projects across the country.
The proposed Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions Inter-Agency Act covers projects managed by national government agencies, state universities, government corporations, and local government units. In La Union’s First District, which includes towns like San Fernando City, San Juan, and Bacnotan, the measure seeks to shield public works from extreme weather patterns and severe heat linked to climate cycles such as El Niño.
Under the proposal, public construction projects must incorporate specific environmental solutions:
- Sustainable drainage systems and advanced water management
- Energy-efficient structures, green roofs, and open natural spaces
- Low-carbon building materials designed for long-term endurance
To supervise national implementation, the bill creates the Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions Inter-Agency Council. This coordinating body brings together leadership and technical experts from three executive departments:
- Department of Public Works and Highways
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Department of Science and Technology
These partner agencies will align national scientific research, environmental compliance, and structural engineering guidelines. According to Ortega, the measure establishes uniform requirements to make public facilities safer, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and improve local community preparedness against natural disasters.
SOURCE: PGLU
