With Typhoon Kristine battering the country and causing massive flooding in the Bicol region, former Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles on Thursday stressed the urgency of addressing the flooding woes of Davao City given the rising frequency of extreme weather events affecting the country.
“Our prayers go out to our countrymen in Bicol and all the areas in the country adversely affected by the effects of Typhoon Kristine, kasama po dito ang ating mga government frontliners at private sector volunteers na tumutulong po sa mga nasalanta,” said the three-time Davao City representative.
Nograles warned that “the typhoons and the rains hitting all parts of our country have increased in intensity in recent years. It is not only likely that Davao City will experience these extreme weather events––it is an inevitability.”
“Given this reality, we have to address the flooding issues of Davao sooner rather than later, and doing so will involve urgent public infra solutions as well as eco or green initiatives. In short, comprehensive dapat ang approach natin. Hindi pwedeng reactive at piecemeal ang diskarte. Buhay at kabuhayan kasi ang nakasalalay kapag nagbabaha sa Davao City,” explained Nograles.
The rise in water levels even in Davao City’s urban areas has already become a pattern in recent years, with downpours forcing evacuations and disrupting power delivery and transportation.
“We have the skills, the local talent and the proper mindset to protect it and our residents from damaging floods.”
Recently, Magsaysay and JP Laurel Avenues as well as the Matina area were covered in nearly waist deep waters. Heavily populated areas were likewise affected by floods last month and in July.
According to Nograles, “seasonal heavy rains and flooding are already part of our lives because of climate change. So we need to focus on doable solutions, those we can control and implement. We need to upgrade our drainage systems. Increase efforts and invest in heavy equipment to always desilt and declog our canals. We need to revisit the anti-flooding programs recommended by JICA and find a way to mobilize funds for these.”
“But let’s not just end with infrastructure fixes because incorporating nature-based solutions to mitigate flood risks is equally important. Planting more trees and enforcing stricter regulations on waste and trash disposal are crucial. Of course, we always welcome inputs from Davaoeños because everyone is a stakeholder here. Nasaan ka man at sino ka man sa Davao City, apektado ka ng ulan at baha,” he added.
“Nothing beats preparation. Davao City is a premiere city in Mindanao and in the country. We have the skills, the local talent and the proper mindset to protect it and our residents from damaging floods. Kaya natin ito basta sama-sama tayong kikilos at gagalaw.”
