Project Noah exec: Metro Manila needs flood management, not just control
MANILA, Philippines – After localized thunderstorms triggered heavy rains and flooding in several areas in Metro Manila last week, Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Executive Director Mahar Lagmay on Thursday underscored the urgent need to shift from traditional flood control projects to a broader “flood management” strategy.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, Lagmay said flooding persists due to rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, clogged waterways and heavier rainfalls linked to worsening climate change.
READ: Project Noah and the flood of forgetfulness that swept it away
“Hindi natin matatanggal ang baha dito sa Pilipinas. Hindi natin matatanggal ang baha dito sa Metro Manila. Ang maaari nating gawin ay pababain para mas mamanage natin. Ayaw na nga namin tawagin na flood control ito at gusto natin tawagin ito na flood management (We cannot eliminate the floods here in the Philippines. We cannot eliminate the floods here in Metro Manila. What we can do is lower it so we can better manage it. We don’t want to call it flood control anymore, and we want to call it flood management),” he said.
He said extensive concrete development has reduced the ground’s ability to absorb rainwater, causing faster runoff that overwhelms drainage systems during heavy downpours.
Lagmay also noted that most flood control systems were designed decades ago and are no longer sufficient to address current rainfall conditions.
He also pointed out that garbage accumulations, clogged drainage systems and silted rivers have also worsened flooding in Metro Manila.
“Tapos yung mga nagbabaha dyan, yan yung mga lugar na mabababang lugar (And then those areas that flood, those are the low-lying areas),” he said.
Despite efforts to address flooding problems, rains have become heavier and more unpredictable, leading to deeper flooding.
Lagmay emphasized the need for “hybrid solutions” that combine infrastructure and nature-based interventions to mitigate flooding.
These include detention basins, bioswales, rainwater harvesting, tree planting and preserving open spaces that can temporarily store floodwater, he added.
He also stressed the need for stricter urban planning, noting that critical infrastructure and housing should not be built in flood-prone, low-lying areas.
“Ang pinakamaganda ay iiwas natin yung pagtatayo ng mga kabahayan, mga gusali, critical facilities doon sa mabababang lugar (The best thing is to avoid building houses, buildings and critical facilities in those low-lying areas),” he said.
He added that river rehabilitation, dredging and improved solid waste management remain essential to restoring waterways’ capacity, along with stronger coordination between local governments and national agencies under a watershed approach.
He also advised the public to remain vigilant, as long-term interventions take time to put in place.
“Malapit na po ang tag-ulan, ngayon ay Mayo na. Pagdating po ng July-August, napakatindi na po ng mga habagat natin dito sa Metro Manila. Mag-ingat po tayo at sundin po ang batas at sundin po ang mga abiso ng inyong LGU at ng national government (The rainy season is approaching, it’s already May. When July and August come, our southwest monsoon here in Metro Manila will be very intense. Be careful and follow the law and heed the advisories of your local and national governments),” he said. /jpv
