Quezon city: The Quezon City (QC) government is shifting towards science-based and long-term sustainable solutions to curb the worsening flood problems. At the opening of the QC Flood Summit 2025, Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that perennial flooding has become a significant source of ‘collective trauma’ for many, especially families residing in flood-prone areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Belmonte noted that in 2024, more than 22,000 families were subjected to preemptive or forced evacuations due to storms. She highlighted the shared anxiety within the city, as floodwaters often paralyze roads, posing substantial risks to constantly flooded communities. Belmonte stressed the need for long-term, data-driven systems to reduce these risks, as short-term fixes are inadequate.
At the core of the city’s flood-mitigation efforts is the Drainage Master Plan, developed in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute. The plan outlines 15 priority projects aimed at enhancing water absorption, slowing runoff, and reducing flood volume through nature-based solutions. These projects include permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting systems, retention ponds, detention basins, and improved drainage networks. A significant retention pond project at the Quezon Memorial Circle, capable of collecting 928 cubic meters of rainwater, is slated for completion in 2026.
The city has also constructed operational detention basins at community courts in Gloria 2 and Palmera Homespace 3, which double as public spaces and flood-mitigation infrastructure. Upgraded high-capacity drainage systems along West Avenue and Fairview are effectively managing water flow during intense rains. Additionally, the ‘Tanggal Bara, Iwas Baha’ campaign aims to clear drainage lines of debris and obstructions.
In cooperation with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and San Miguel Corporation, the city is rehabilitating the San Juan River and parts of the Tullahan River up to La Mesa Dam at no cost to the city government. These efforts are vital to restoring natural water movement and preventing further deterioration of waterways.
Mayor Belmonte also linked flooding to broader climate realities. To address these, the city has implemented policies banning single-use plastics, promoting electric vehicles, solarizing government buildings, and adopting circular waste solutions. These measures aim to help the city adapt to climate change while mitigating environmental factors contributing to flooding.
Furthermore, the city’s QC I-Rise Up Program focuses on long-term preparedness, utilizing localized forecasting, sensors, flood markers, and early warning devices. This program successfully enabled the city to achieve zero casualties during Super Typhoon Uwan.
