MANILA, Philippines - Local governments in Metro Manila must boost its preparedness and capability to address the probable occurrence of another "Ondoy" tragedy.
The possibility of having a storm of such destructive force is probable, according to a global consultancy, planning, design, and engineering firm.
In a workshop hosted by the Makati City government, international consultancy firm Arup, composed of engineers, planners, designers and technical specialists, urged local government units to implement infrastructure programs and development in their areas to lessen the effects of typhoon.
The forum urged local government units in Metro Manila to implement intervention to prevent, if not lessen, casualties in such an event.
"A lot of steps are being done like the Pasig-Marikina Project but we need to continue to see local government units (LGUs) implement their own projects in clearing their own waste so that water can freely pass and move on Pasig-Marikina River, and on to Manila Bay then Laguna De Bay. If we can do that without any blockage then it can make us more adaptable to similar events like Ondoy," said Raul Manlapig, managing director Arup-Manila office.
Due to its coastal location and rapid urban development, Metro Manila is especially prone to climate change impacts and natural disasters, including extreme rainfall, sea level rise, as well as more powerful typhoons, said Arup officials.
The seminar brought together top city government officials, international donors, environmental researchers and practitioners, and Arup's global water, climate change and planning experts to explore practical solutions to address flood and water management issues, and build a resilient Metro Manila.
Local experts Dr. Rosa Perez of the Manila Observatory, Eng. Sofia Santiago, project manager of the Pasig-Marikina river channel project, and Elisea Gozun, Presidential Assistant for Climate Change, shared insights on the negative impacts of climate change on the local level.
