Is a flood-free Metro Manila possible? Gov’t considers past proposals

Various government officials have recalled past suggestions on how to control Metro Manila’s perennial flooding following the recent onslaught of the Tropical Cyclone Carina-enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

In Jonathan Andal’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it planned to replicate Bonifacio Global City’s underground water impounding structure in Taguig City in other areas in the National Capital Region.

Among the areas that were eyed for the underground infrastructure were beneath the flood-prone University of Santo Tomas in España Boulevard in Manila. But the school’s administration did not agree with the plan, the DPWH said.

“Kaya lang hindi rin pumayag yung UST administration. So we are looking for yung mga areas,” said DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan.

(The UST administration did not agree with the plan. So we are looking for other areas.)

BGC remains flood-free because of the water impounding structure that has a depth of a four-storey building. It  can also store over 20 million liters of water or the equivalent of eight Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Another proposal being mulled for revival is the 1975 flood control master plan that would add another water exit to complement the Pasig River.

Under the said plan was the Parañaque Spillway that would supposedly carry the water en route to Manila Bay, but this project did not materialize.

Urban planner Jun Palafox said there were various reasons why the spillway was not pushed through. Among these were “political will, lack of continuity, analysis paralysis.” He added that budget was not even an issue.

“Budget, you can borrow money. Dubai, puro borrowed money, but they have a good plan,” said Palafox.

(When it comes to budget, you can borrow money. Look at Dubai, they just keep on borrowing money, but they have a good plan.)

But the Muntinlupa City government said the proposed Parañaque Spillway would demolish a portion of Barangay Bulig.

“Ang last say ng mga taga-Muntinlupa is an objection to it,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon in a congressional hearing.

(The last say of the people of Muntinlupa is an objection to it.)

“Kasama tayo diyan sa paghanap ng solusyon sa problema ng pagbaha,” he added. “Pero syempre tinitingan… were also on the lookout of our constituents. Kung mayroon naman ibang options, why not?”

(We are part of looking for a solution to the floods [...] But of course, we are on the lookout for our constituents. If there are other options, why not?)

Meanwhile, the DPWH said it will have a second look into the proposed spillway.

A state of calamity was declared over Metro Manila after the heavy downpour caused flooding in many parts of the region.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said that there were 36 reported fatalities due to the recent massive floods and heavy downpours.

Of this number, 15 deaths in Metro Manila are still up for validation.—Vince Ferreras, RF GMA Integrated News