Phivolcs raises geohazard concerns in Bulacan Airport

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum has raised flooding and other geohazard concerns over the planned New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, given its location.

"This multi-billion airport is sitting on soft ground and the location is prone to frequent flooding," said Solidum said.

"This river environment requires special engineering interventions to make buildings and infrastructure resilient to hazards due to earthquake events or to weather-related activities like heavy rainfall," he added.

Solidum noted, however, that the risks can be addressed if the proper steps and interventions are made.

"Let me just note that these hazards can be mitigated by proper design and construction so it does not really prevent one to build on it," he said.

"What is important is if they can make it lesser flood prone, that would be better for the community. That proponent must ensure appropriate engineering interventions so that they have lesser risks in operation and potential of local government's being affected is also lessened," added Solidum.

San Miguel Holdings Corp. operations head Edgar Doña said detailed engineering design is now being conducted to ensure that geohazards in the new airport is addressed.

Doña said the project proponent intends to dredge nearby rivers to ensure that flooding risks are minimized.

"As we speak, we are in the process of doing the detailed engineering design to ensure that all rivers are designed appropriately. In fact, we are looking at the major rivers of Taliptip, Meycauayan, and Sta. Maria, which are the rivers are designed appropriately," he said in a Senate hearing.

"We intend to dredge and increase the carrying capacity of these rivers and as we speak, there are coordination meetings now being held with DPWH," he added.

To recall, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in August 2019 formally awarded the contract to build and operate the Bulacan airport project to San Miguel Holdings Corp. , the infrastructure unit of San Miguel Corp.

Both parties signed the concession deal for the New Manila International Airport on September 18, a month and four days after SMC received the notice of award for the contract.—AOL, GMA News