Quezon city: The Quezon City government is taking a proactive approach to flood management by converting open public spaces into flood-control facilities, utilizing the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) Open Field and the City Hall lagoon to effectively collect and store excess rainwater during heavy downpours.

According to Philippines News Agency, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the dual-purpose design of the 12,000-square-meter QMC Open Field, which was inaugurated in July. Beyond serving as a venue for sports, recreation, glamping, and community activities, the field is strategically designed to manage stormwater. Mayor Belmonte emphasized the importance of integrating flood control into urban planning, stating that it is not solely about constructing larger infrastructure but also about creating spaces that can effectively manage water.

Central to this innovative approach are a retention pond, detention tank, and basin located in the open field, which together can hold up to 1,119.5 cubic meters of water, equivalent to approximately 5,597 standard blue drums. These facilities play a crucial role in collecting excess water from the park and adjacent Elliptical Road, thereby reducing the volume and speed of stormwater entering nearby drainage systems.

The QMC Open Field also features a wide green area that facilitates natural rainwater absorption, alongside amenities such as an outdoor amphitheater and a walking path with views of the Quezon Memorial Pylon. In parallel, the City Hall lagoon is being utilized as a retention pond with a capacity to hold about 13,050 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools. The filtered rainwater collected here is repurposed for the city's greening initiatives and toilet flushing in city-owned facilities, which decreases the reliance on potable water and minimizes runoff.

The city's proactive measures have shown tangible results, with reduced flooding observed along portions of the Elliptical Road during recent heavy rainfalls. Mayor Belmonte affirmed that these projects illustrate the potential of open public spaces to serve multifunctional roles, enhancing the city's resilience to climate challenges.

These initiatives are part of Quezon City's ongoing commitment to the QC Drainage Master Plan, aimed at protecting residents and businesses, mitigating flooding, and enhancing overall safety and climate resilience.