Manila: A former general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)-turned lawmaker has called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to instruct barangay officials across the country to clear waterways to mitigate flooding in their areas. Rizal 3rd District Rep. Jojo Garcia made his appeal during a House Committee on Public Accounts briefing, highlighting the ongoing issues related to flooding and ineffective flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized that trash is a primary issue, citing experiences from San Mateo. Before recent rains, he and the town’s mayor urged barangay officials to clear water channels, which proved effective in reducing flooding in the area. Garcia recalled past DILG initiatives that involved barangay communities in flood prevention and suggested that Secretary Jonvic Remulla should re-issue such directives. He acknowledged that while involving barangays is a short-term solution, it is necessary while waiting for medium- and long-term flood mitigation measures, which are often multi-year projects that sustain damage during rains.

In a related discussion, Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo shared his city’s collaborative efforts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to tackle flooding. Quimbo commended the late Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando for ensuring no informal settlers lived along the Marikina River, keeping the waterways clear. The city and DPWH expanded the water containment capacity of local rivers, constructed flood protection walls, and built water interceptor channels. They also implemented underground water impounding structures to manage floodwaters.

Quimbo highlighted the significance of the Upper Wawa Dam, a facility of water concessionaire Manila Water, in minimizing flooding in Marikina and surrounding areas. By using part of the dam to contain rainwater from the Sierra Madre, it has provided substantial relief. He proposed pursuing the Triple Dam project in the Sierra Madre as a long-term solution to the flooding issues affecting Metro Manila, including Quezon City and Caloocan City.