Up to 30% of Metro may be underwater by 2040 - study

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has urged local governments to adopt measures to address the projection that 30% of Metro Manila may be permanently underwater by 2040 due to rising sea levels and intensifying extreme weather events linked to climate change.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on 24 Oras, the cited forecast forms part of national climate assessments citing Metro Manila, which includes Quezon City, as among the country’s most flood-prone areas.

In September, several parts of Quezon City were submerged after rainfall equivalent to a week’s worth of precipitation fell within three hours.

According to the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2025, significant sea-level rise is expected in the capital region between 2030 and 2050.

CCC Commissioner Rachell Anne Herrera said an estimated 160 square kilometers of land could be permanently inundated by 2040, placing more than 30% of the National Capital Region at risk.

Herrera said the national government has already issued policies and standards to address the impacts of climate change, but emphasized that implementation at the local level remains crucial.

She noted that cities and barangays are responsible for converting national directives into zoning plans, permit systems, operational guidelines, and community communication strategies.

At a flood summit held Tuesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allegedly disregarding the city’s drainage master plan.

Belmonte said the city previously submitted the plan to the DPWH to seek support for its proposed flood-control solutions.

“Unfortunately, the DPWH did not act on the master plan,” Belmonte said.

She also said the agency implemented P17 billion worth of flood-control projects in the city that were either defective or could not be located.

She said these developments contributed to worsening flooding in Quezon City.

The local government has begun investigating the projects and has forwarded its findings to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

GMA Integrated News is seeking DPWH’s response to the allegations.

Despite these issues, the Quezon City government continues to upgrade drainage lines and road networks to improve water flow during heavy rains, Belmonte said.

The city is also developing retention ponds, including those integrated into facilities such as basketball courts, which will serve as temporary water-catchment areas during storms.

City officials cited the ongoing work at Lagarian Creek, which divides Barangay Kalusugan and Barangay Roxas District, where the waterway has been widened and cleared of silt and garbage.

Retention ponds capable of storing up to 928 cubic meters of water will also be built inside the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The city government said these measures form part of its broader efforts to mitigate flooding and prepare communities for the long-term impacts of climate change.—MCG, GMA Integrated News