CHEERS TO One PH's interview with an urban planning expert, which underlined issues causing the flooding of urban areas. The discussion addressed recent flash floods in Metro Manila, drawing out informed proposals for the issue's prevention.
Landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren spoke to anchors Lourd De Veyra, Jove Franciso, and Manny Mogato on the late-night talk program 'Wag Po! on August 8. The interview was conducted mostly in Filipino, which is helpful in reaching more audiences.
Expert cites leading factors
Alcazaren zoomed in on the "perfect storm of factors" that lead to the inundation of Metro Manila areas.
Rapid urban development
Alcazaren cited the construction of commercial structures as a leading cause of flooding. Urban development in Metro Manila has reduced the number of green open spaces which absorb rainfall, leading to flooding undersized drainage systems cannot handle. Current systems are based on the flood levels of previous decades, and require better monitoring by officials, the expert said.
Alcazaren further pointed out the limited responsibility of property developers, who are allowed to connect to drainage lines that may not be able to handle increases in water volume.
Uncoordinated response
Alcazaren noted critical differences between city-state Singapore and Metro Manila. Singapore expands its green infrastructure, with authorities conducting periodical land use reviews to address climate change and population movements. In Metro Manila, the city's local governments each have their land use plans while failing to consult one another, he observed.
The expert further raised alarm over the climate crisis, citing the lack of infrastructure planning around our "compromised" watersheds, or land areas draining rainfall. Alcazaren stressed that city and provincial issues are interconnected, as scientific study would indicate. "Ang problema, ang government planning ay not based on science but based on politics," Alcazaren said.
Specific measures for prevention
De Veyra raised for comment the view that sustainable urban planning is costly. Alcazaren argued that addressing damage from calamities, such as the disruption of businesses and local government functions, has proven more expensive than investing in proper infrastructure.
Alcazaren proposed the following measures to government, seeking to minimize the harm from flooding and similar events.
With more flooding feared during the rainy season, media should continue reviewing urban planning policy. Detailed reports should enable the public to demand appropriate action from officials.
