DPWH, MMDA Officials Questioned Over Metro Manila Flooding

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MANILA, Philippines — During a House of Representatives session on Wednesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes attributed the recent severe flooding in Metro Manila to garbage clogging the waterways. 


Artes explained that accumulated trash slows down the water pumping process and obstructs the waterways, exacerbating the flooding issues. He pointed out that despite continuous clean-up efforts by the MMDA, this "vicious cycle" persists.


Artes clarified that the budget for flood control programs, as mandated by the 2022-2024 General Appropriations Act, is only P5.209 billion, contrary to the P787.6 billion reported. This budget covers the maintenance and operation of flood control and pumping stations, as well as the salaries of the personnel managing these facilities.


Lawmakers' Concerns


Quezon City Representative Franz Pumaren criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for not fully disclosing the flood control projects funded by the World Bank under the Metro Manila Flood Control Program during the hearing. He also highlighted the poor assessment of the Batasan River Basin and the substandard construction of retaining walls in Quezon City's 5th district.


Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano emphasized that finding a long-term solution to Metro Manila's flooding problems will take time to develop.


Deputy Speaker David Suarez called for innovative and new strategies to combat climate change and its impact on urban flooding.


Surigao del Sur Representative Robert Ace Barbers expressed Congress's readiness to support the development of a "science-based" approach to address the flooding issues in Metro Manila. Barbers suggested examining whether the engineering designs are suitable, if there has been a lack of preventive measures, or if there are flood control projects that exist only on paper and have not been implemented.


As the discussion continues, lawmakers and officials are seeking effective solutions to mitigate the persistent flooding problems that plague Metro Manila, with an emphasis on improving infrastructure, implementing innovative strategies, and ensuring transparency in the execution of flood control projects.

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