MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City’s flood control approach may serve as a model for other local governments as the national government considers establishing no-build zones and water retention basins to reduce flood risks.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon made the remark during a visit to Marikina on Wednesday where he inspected flood control projects and met with Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro and First District Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro.
Dizon said local governments needed to designate areas where construction would no longer be allowed while developing retention basins that could temporarily store floodwaters during heavy rains.
“We need to establish no-build zones. Then we will build retention basins where water can go and be contained. We will build parks. That is important. Marikina has shown us that it is possible,” Dizon said.
He added that Marikina’s long experience in dealing with flooding has produced practices that could guide other cities in strengthening their flood mitigation programs.
“In fact, I invited the mayor and the engineer so we can show other local government units the best practices because Marikina has already learned from experience,” he said.
During the visit, city officials also presented their integrated flood control strategy, which combined national infrastructure projects with local drainage and river management efforts.
Rep. Teodoro said dredging of the Marikina River continued to deepen and widen parts of the channel to improve water velocity and increase the river’s capacity to carry floodwaters.
He added that Marikina’s drainage systems were designed so that runoff water from communities flowed directly toward the river through outfall channels, allowing floodwaters to exit the city more quickly.
City officials also highlighted coordination between the Marikina local government and the Wawa Dam Authority to manage gradual water releases upstream to prevent sudden surges in the Marikina River during heavy rains.
