The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tagged overpopulation as the primary cause of flooding in Metro Manila.
The DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said man-made structures built to meet the housing needs of the growing metropolis are blocking the natural flow of rivers and streams.
In a interview with Maki Pulido of GMA News’ “24 Oras," DENR MGB director Leo Jazareno said that natural waterways can cope with the volume of heavy rainfall but the draining of floodwaters is impeded.
“Ang pinaka-kalaban natin ay population. Habang dumadami ang population, nag-e-encroach sa waterways. Inagawan natin yung tubig ng pupuntahan niya. Tapos ‘pag may namatay na tao, sisihin natin yung ulan," he said.
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Jasareno explained the Pasig river — clogged and in need of dredging — is unable to serve its function as the outlet of excess water from the Laguna Lake to Manila Bay. During heavy rains, the river’s floodwaters rise and overflow into Pasig City, Marikina, Pateros, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque.
“Kasi ang Marikina River, pupunta ng Laguna Lake. And then yung Laguna Lake, pupunta ng Pasig River. So, kung barado ang Pasig River, tataas ang tubig sa Laguna Lake. ‘Yung Marikina River, tataas din," Jasareno said.
Nazareno suggests that aside from dredging another effective solution is the relocation of squatters who populate areas at and near Pasig river and other major waterways. —AY/ELR/VS
