Why the flood problem in Metro Manila has not been solved even after the September 2009 Ondoy

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Here's an investigative report on why the flood problem in Metro Manila has not been solved even after the September 2009 Ondoy, and comparing the disaster now caused by typhoon Carina and the Habagat this July 2024


Investigative Report: Persistent Flooding in Metro Manila

Introduction

Metro Manila's flood problems have persisted despite significant efforts and investments since the devastating Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in September 2009. This report delves into the underlying reasons for the continuing flood issues, examining the recent impacts of Typhoon Carina and the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) in July 2024, to understand why these disasters continue to wreak havoc on the region.

Background: Typhoon Ondoy and Its Aftermath

Typhoon Ondoy struck Metro Manila on September 26, 2009, causing catastrophic flooding. The deluge submerged 80% of the city, affecting millions of residents, and causing over 460 deaths. The government and various stakeholders launched multiple initiatives, including infrastructure projects, policy changes, and international collaborations to mitigate future flooding.

Persistent Issues and Challenges

Urbanization and Poor Planning 

Rapid Urbanization: The accelerated pace of urban development has led to increased impermeable surfaces, reducing the land's natural ability to absorb rainfall.

Informal Settlements: Many low-lying areas and riverbanks are occupied by informal settlers, exacerbating the flood risk and complicating relocation efforts.


Inadequate Infrastructure 

Drainage Systems: Many drainage systems in Metro Manila are outdated and insufficient for handling heavy rainfall. The lack of regular maintenance further impedes their effectiveness.

Flood Control Projects: Numerous flood control projects face delays due to bureaucratic red tape, funding issues, and land acquisition problems.


Environmental Degradation

Deforestation and Watershed Destruction: The destruction of watersheds and deforestation in upland areas have reduced the natural capacity to mitigate floods.

Waterways Pollution: Rivers and canals clogged with garbage and silt reduce their capacity to carry floodwaters effectively.


Climate Change 

Increased Rainfall Intensity: Climate change has led to more intense and unpredictable weather patterns, resulting in heavier rainfall and more severe flooding.

Recent Disasters: Typhoon Carina and Habagat (July 2024)

Typhoon Carina (2024)

Typhoon Carina hit Metro Manila in July 2024, bringing torrential rains and strong winds. Despite the extensive flood control measures taken post-Ondoy,

 many areas experienced severe flooding. The heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to the inundation of streets and residential areas.Impact: Thousands were displaced, and several communities were submerged under several feet of water.

Response: Emergency services were quickly mobilized, but the scale of the disaster highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities in the city's flood management systems.

Habagat (Southwest Monsoon)

The Southwest Monsoon, intensified by Typhoon Carina, brought continuous heavy rains in July 2024, compounding the flood situation.Impact: Sustained rainfall led to prolonged flooding, further straining the already overwhelmed infrastructure and emergency response systems.

Response: The government issued warnings and conducted evacuations, but the effectiveness of these measures was limited by the ongoing challenges in flood management.

Comparative Analysis

Typhoon Ondoy (2009) vs. Typhoon Carina and Habagat (2024)

Severity and Scale: While Typhoon Ondoy was a single, catastrophic event, Typhoon Carina combined with the Habagat created a prolonged and cumulative disaster. The recent events underscore the growing complexity and intensity of flooding due to climate change.


Infrastructure and Response: Post-Ondoy, significant investments were made in flood control infrastructure, but these have proven inadequate in the face of increasing rainfall intensity. The responses to Typhoon Carina and Habagat were more coordinated, but still hampered by the fundamental issues that have not been resolved.


Public Awareness and Preparedness: There has been an improvement in public awareness and preparedness since Ondoy, with more efficient evacuation protocols and better dissemination of information. However, the persistent flooding indicates a need for more robust, long-term solutions.
Conclusion

The flood problem in Metro Manila remains unresolved due to a combination of rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. Despite efforts to address these issues post-Ondoy, the recent disasters caused by Typhoon Carina and the Habagat reveal significant gaps in the region's flood management strategy. Moving forward, a comprehensive and integrated approach involving sustainable urban planning, infrastructure upgrades, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation measures is essential to mitigate the flood risk in Metro Manila.

Post Office delivers DSWD food packs to residents affected by Typhoon Carina in Marikina

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Thousands flock to distribution centers in different barangays in Marikina City to receive DSWD relief assistance which was organized by Project Hope Relief Operations and Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office).

The Post Office said that it has provided logistics assistance for humanitarian relief operations of House Speaker Congressman Martin Romualdez and Congressman Miro Quimbo in badly hit areas of Barangay Parang, Tumana and Nangka in Marikina City to fast track the distribution of food packs in affected areas.

"The Post Office has provided 10-wheeler truck to deliver 1,300 relief packs from DSWD which were unloaded to Parang, Marikina and two (2) six wheeler trucks transported 1,750 food packs which were distributed in in Marikina City”, Chairman and Postmaster General Mike Planas said.

Planas said the Post Office in collaboration with the local government units and other stakeholders, actively participated in the distribution of relief goods to communities affected by the tropical cyclone.

In a statement, they already deployed Mail Delivery Trucks to continue with its mission to assist government agencies in their relief efforts.

The Post Office has also offered their mail operations hub as temporary shelter for Typhoon victims.

Mega Manila Director Alvin Duron has already identified its area facilities for Relief Operations located in Bulacan which includes the Malolos Post Office, Baliuag Post Office, Bustos Post Office, in Cavite include Imus City Post Office and Dasmarinas City Post Office. In the National Capital Region are Post Offices in Makati, Quezon City, Manila Central Post Office, Pasig, Pasay and Paranaque Post Offices.

In the provinces, with regards to possible facilities to be used as government hubs for humanitarian efforts, Northwest Luzon Area Director Jun Malacapo recommends the following locations: Pampanga Mail Distribution Center, San Fernando, Pampanga, San Fernando Sub Distribution Centers (SubDC), SF La Union, Dagupan SubDC, Tarlac, Laoag SubDC, Ilocos Norte, Vigan SubDC, Ilocos Sur and Olongapo SubDC, Zambales. Available vehicle assets are on standby on these locations for relief and rescue efforts.

Philippine Star executives deny media access to Influencers at The Truth Festival 2024

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There have been allegations of discrimination by Philippine Star against influencers, claiming they were denied media access to The Truth Festival.

Influencers, who play a significant role in modern media and public engagement, reported that they were not provided with the same level of access as traditional journalists.

On July 16, the Philippine Star Marketing has reached out to Ross Del Rosario, founder and Editor-in-chief of Wazzup Pilipinas, via phone call to offer a space for him and his fellow influencers who wants to cover the event. He was asked to send in the name and there details of all the influencers covering the Truth Festival on July 28 at Bridgetowne open rounds. Del Rosario immediately sent the information needed by the Marketing via Viber.

 
However, on July 27, a day before the event, Del Rosario was shocked to receive a message from the Marketing saying that their executives are limiting the media access to the event by allowing only their fellow traditional media from radio and TV only as media partners.

This incident has sparked discussions on the evolving landscape of media and the recognition of digital influencers as legitimate media representatives. Many argue that excluding influencers undermines their contributions and the diverse perspectives they bring to coverage of such events. The debate continues on whether traditional media should adapt to the digital age by embracing and collaborating with influencers.

Wazzup Pilipinas whose website is https://www.wazzuppilipinas.com is a multi-awarded online platform that shares significant news and stories relevant not only for Filipino readers but since they also get collaborations among foreign brands, it has been widely recognised as a global presence of influence having reached almost a million monthly views on record. Wazzup Pilipinas' media partnerships extends to collaborations with popular brands, events organizers, government agencies, organizations from many colleges and universities, NGOs, and a lot more from both local and foreign entities.

It is ironic that The Truth Festival event was supposed to be all about campaigning against fake news and misinformation yet when Philippine Star denied the group of Influencers media access to the event, it raised the question on why they are seemingly trying to limit and control the narrative by only acknowledging their fellow traditional media from Radio and TV as media partners.

Is Philippine Star discriminating influencers and are they saying that they are not acknowledging influencers as part of media? Is Philippine Star threatened of these influencers?

The Marketing from Philippine Star has discontinued communicating with Del Rosario when he requested to get the contact details of their executives so that he could personally reach out and discuss the issue. As of this writing, the Marketing has given no response to the request.

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