Holistic, multi-faceted approach vs flooding needed, solon says | Pinakabagong Balita sa Pilipinas

Holistic, multi-faceted approach vs flooding needed, solon says — (MALACAÑANG PHOTO) (MALACAÑANG PHOTO) MANILA, Philippines — A multi-faceted approach when it comes to addressing flooding is needed as there are sever...

(MALACAÑANG PHOTO)

(MALACAÑANG PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — A multi-faceted approach when it comes to addressing flooding is needed as there are several factors that contribute to the country’s seemingly perennial problem, Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. said on Thursday.

In a statement, Momo echoed his remarks during the House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts hearing regarding the country’s flood control projects — that several studies have shown that deforestation, urban development, blocked waterways, coastal reclamation, rapidly rising sea water, soil saturation, and inadequate drainage also worsen flooding.

“In other words, there are many other matters and issues needing holistic planning and action to combat severe flooding resulting in property damage, displacement of our kababayans, and worse, loss of lives,” Momo, a former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said.

“Everyone’s active participation (is needed to ensure) that people’s money have not gone to waste, not to mention the government’s time, effort, and resources,” he added. “Let those responsible for any misfeasance or malfeasance, or any corrupt practices, be held to account, if evidence so warrant.”

According to Momo, there are different ways to address flooding — like what lawmakers mentioned during the public accounts hearing on Wednesday.

Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice said that proper solid waste management and engineering interventions will greatly address floods in Metro Manila.

Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo meanwhile shared that Marikina — which was spared from immense floods after three successive cyclones battered Luzon in early July — has a 15-year plan that includes different measures.

Quimbo said that past and present administrations in the city have worked towards improving the area’s waterways, creating new channels for water to flow to rivers, and ensuring that infrastructure projects are attuned to the city’s needs.

READ:Marikina’s success vs floods: Better waterways, relocation — Quimbo

Momo said the hearing will include a check of funds allocated per region, the accomplishment rate, problems encountered during the implementation period, and other feasibility studies and detailed engineering design.

He said they will also check if there are good practices — tree planting, reforestation, and greening program — being done by the national and local government units.

But aside from the problems that projects may have encountered, Momo said that Metro Manila experienced flooding comparable to Typhoons Ondoy and Carina which hit the country in 2009 and 2024, respectively.

Severe Tropical Storm Crising first entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR)  mid-July, enhancing the southwest monsoon and forcing classes and government work to be suspended for nearly a week.

But even after Crising left the PAR, rains have persisted in different areas.  Eventually, Tropical Storm Dante and Typhoon Emong intensified the southwest monsoon again, resulting in torrential rains in different areas.

Data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Effective Flood Control Operation System, Momo said the week-long rains totaled 665.5 millimeters, or 28 percent of Metro Manila’s yearly average.

“It means that one week, Metro Manila got one third of its annual average rainfall,”  Momo said in Filipino during the hearing.

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“We always blame flood control projects without looking at the volume of rain.”(With reports from Andrei Sabinay, INQUIRER.net trainee)

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