National, local governments addressing flood problem — officials

Government officials together with local government units (LGUs) are doing their parts in addressing the country's perennial flood problems, at least two Cabinet secretaries said Wednesday.

"Tumutulong naman ang mga LGUs, 'yung ating mga mayors ay kausap natin, at iba't ibang ahensya ng LGUs ay nakatutok naman dito sa ating mga baha," said Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas II at a press briefing in Camp Crame.

For his part, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said the public shouldn't blame current government officials for the frequent flooding especially on España Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila.

At a press briefing in Malacañang, Singson said the area has been flood-prone for years, and his department is already undertaking an infrastructure project to address the problem.

"'Yung mga nangyayari na isolated flooding, huwag niyo naman sanang isisi sa amin. 'Yung baha sa España, taun-taon naman, nagbabaha naman iyan. Alam natin na kapag umulan, baha iyang España," he said.

"Water tunnel"

Singson said his department has already started constructing a 2.6-kilometer box culvert along Blumentritt Street in Manila. He said the culvert will act as a "water tunnel" for floodwaters that flow from Quezon City to España Boulevard.

Singson said those passing through España should not expect flooding to be gone overnight. "Sana huwag niyo namang asahan na matatapos iyan ng isa o dalawang buwan. It will take us twelve months for us to construct that," he said.

He also said he has already discussed this project with the rector of the University of Santo Tomas, which is located along the flood-prone boulevard.

"'Yung lahat ng tubig na nanggagaling sa Quezon City bumababa iyan sa España. 'Yung mga kalye, lahat iyan, lahat iyan magkakaroon ng box culvert. Para sa ganoon iyong tubig, dadaan diyan at ilalabas sa mga estero," he added.

Water problem

Roxas, meanwhile, said the problem with many flood-prone streets is the large volume of water that cannot get out.

"Simple naman lang ang tubig. Ang tubig maghahanap 'yan ng path of least resistance, so maghahanap 'yan ng pinakamababang lugar at doon 'yan mag-iipon hanggang magkaroon ng paraan na makakalabas yan," he  said.

Malacañang on Sunday reminded LGU officials to enforce their local rules that aim to prevent flooding.

“Kasama sa mandato ng LGUs (local government units) natin, mayors and governors, kasama sa mandato nila to ensure the execution of the pertinent laws in their areas of jurisdiction," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Roxas mentioned that on Tuesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways gave a presentation about solving the flooding problem in Manila.

Part of that presentation touched on catchments in Sierra Madre, and the widening and cleaning of canals and waterways, he said. — KBK, GMA News