The Quezon City government is fast-tracking the full implementation of its Drainage Master Plan (DMP) following the massive flooding that hit the city on Saturday, according to the QC Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (QCDRRMO).
QCDRRMO spokesperson Peachy de Leon said the DMP includes major projects like detention basins, retention ponds, waste-trap nets, and permeable pavement systems to prevent future flooding.
“Meron na talagang long-term na projects si Mayor Joy [Belmonte], which is the Drainage Master Plan,” De Leon said.
A detention basin will be built in Barangay Tandang Sora and Barangay Sta. Monica to temporarily store stormwater runoff, while a retention pond will help collect excess water and release it slowly to prevent overflow.
Other projects include installing waste-trap nets along rivers and canals to block garbage from clogging drainage systems and using permeable pavement systems that allow rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing surface flooding.
De Leon revealed that there are 138 ongoing flood control projects across all districts, all of which are already approved but require coordination with local communities.
In a separate briefing, Mayor Joy Belmonte flagged 254 DPWH projects worth PHP14 billion for allegedly proceeding without coordination with the city government.
“Quezon City already has its own drainage master plan, and all projects should be aligned with it,” De Leon emphasized.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) clarified that Saturday’s massive flooding was caused by a thunderstorm and not the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said 96.6 mm of rain fell within an hour, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems.
“Kumbaga, na-overwhelm ‘yung mga drainage system, kaya nag-apawan talaga kaya bumaha,” De Leon explained.
De Leon assured residents that the city government has long-term solutions and urged them to stay vigilant during extreme weather.
“For emergencies, you can always contact 122, and please monitor official advisories from QCDRRMO and the Quezon City Government,” she said.
