LAST AUGUST 7 to 9, memories of typhoon Ondoy were brought back to life, as non-stop monsoon rains, locally called “Habagat,” brought widespread flooding to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
These recent events have once again highlighted how the country’s capital region continues to stand seemingly unprepared and defenseless against natural disasters. In response, the government, a number of non-government organizations and the private sector have taken steps in the effort of keeping the city’s 12 million inhabitants safe.
The following are some measures which have been put into action and have been planned for implementation:
11 INFRASTRUCTURE HOUSES including building a large dam in Marikina and improving the banks of vital flood ways, will be implemented, with the planning stage expected to end in 2035 (once approved by National Economic Development Administration board). However, renowned architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr. doubts this building of a large dam to be the best solution. He tells The Manila Times that the government should consider building a series of small dams instead.
P352 BILLION long-term flood management program for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
P5 BILLION worth of “high priority” projects such as repairing damaged dikes and aged pumping stations and cleaning up congested waterways.
PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION (Piso Para Sa Pasig, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, etc.)
PROJECT NOAH The website (noah.dost.gov.ph) offers up-to-date information on the weather including probability of rain and flood forecast. By its full operation in 2013, Project NOAH will also be able to provide information on other calamities such as earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis. Twenty-one public and private institutions collaborated to make this project a reality.
RELOCATION OF ABOUT 100,000 PEOPLE LIVING NEAR DANGER ZONE IN METRO MANILA Some urban groups like Migrante International have gone against the plan, saying that “even the government’s relocation sites are flood-prone and more dangerous.”
Urban Poor Associates executive director and former Jesuit Denis Murphy blasted Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson who reportedly said that he will “blast” houses of informal settlers and other structures that contribute to flooding.
“Blow up the houses of people, as if they were bandits, crooks or robbers, and the government has to go in, and bomb them? I think the poor would be shocked to hear those words,” Murphy said.
The congested metro
Research By Michael C. Cruz and Justin L. Filart
IN LESS than 4 years, the Metro has experienced major floods, leading to massive loss of life and property. As the city’s major problems come into view, Beyond Loyola examines the major urban problems of the expanding metropolis.
Infographic by Jan-Daniel S. Belmonte
