Marikina Flood Control Success: A Model for Resilience
In early July 2025, Luzon faced the wrath of three successive cyclones, exposing the country’s persistent flooding challenges. Yet, Marikina City stood out with clear streets while neighboring areas remained submerged. This remarkable difference raised questions online about what the city did differently in its flood control efforts.
The answer lies in Marikina’s comprehensive 15-year flood control plan, which has been steadily implemented to address flooding through strategic infrastructure and environmental management. Local leaders emphasized that this long-term approach focused on enhancing waterways, creating new water channels, and aligning infrastructure projects with the city’s unique needs.
Expanding River Capacities to Handle Floodwaters
Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo explained that increasing the capacity of the Marikina and Nangka Rivers was the plan’s cornerstone. These rivers act as natural basins for rainwater runoff from nearby upland towns such as Montalban and Antipolo City. “First, we wanted to increase the capacity of Marikina and Nangka River, their water containment capacity needs to be increased because these rivers are in charge of catching the water,” Quimbo shared during a recent House committee hearing.
To achieve this, the city widened riverbanks and cleared waterways extensively. This effort began under former Mayor Bayani Fernando, the first in Metro Manila to clear rivers and relocate informal settlers away from waterways. “No one has been living near our rivers, there was not even a single informal settler who resides in any of our waterways and creeks,” Quimbo noted, highlighting the importance of keeping these areas free from obstructions.
Innovative Interceptor Channels Reduce Flood Risks
Despite the strong river flow maintained by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) drainage clearing operations, some flood-prone areas near the Sierra Madre mountain range still experienced flooding. Officials recognized that water from the eastern side of the mountains struggled to reach the rivers due to the valley’s terrain.
To address this, Marikina’s government collaborated with DPWH to build interceptor channels that shorten the distance rainwater travels before reaching the rivers. “We created interceptor channels starting from the time of Mayor Marides Fernando up to Mayor Marcy Teodoro. These are DPWH projects that form a straight line from the first possible interception site directly to the river,” Quimbo explained.
Enhancing Drainage and Water Retention Facilities
Another critical element of the 15-year flood control plan was improving drainage and water retention systems beneath Marikina’s streets. Over the past seven years, DPWH has constructed deep water tunnels under roadways to better manage stormwater.
“It’s really a very simple formula but it has taken such a long time,” Quimbo observed. These underground tunnels complement surface drainage and help prevent water accumulation during heavy rains, reducing the likelihood of flooding in residential and commercial areas.
Addressing National Flood Control Challenges
The country’s broader flooding issues have drawn national attention, especially after allegations surfaced regarding corruption in flood control projects. Senator Panfilo Lacson highlighted concerns that nearly half of the almost P2 trillion allocated to flood control since 2011 could have been lost to corrupt practices.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned officials and contractors implicated in kickbacks during his fourth State of the Nation Address. He also released a list revealing that 15 contractors secured over 2,000 of the 10,000 flood control contracts awarded nationwide.
The House committee on public accounts, chaired by Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon, has begun rigorous hearings to scrutinize agencies involved in flood control, including DPWH. Ridon confirmed that three House committees will review the contractor list to ensure transparency and accountability.
Lessons from Marikina’s Flood Control Approach
Marikina’s success with its 15-year flood control plan offers valuable lessons for other flood-prone areas. By increasing river capacities, building interceptor channels, and upgrading drainage infrastructure, the city has managed to reduce flood impacts even during severe storms.
Community members and officials alike credit this sustained, multi-faceted strategy for safeguarding residents and maintaining urban functionality. As flooding continues to threaten many parts of the Philippines, Marikina’s experience underscores the importance of long-term planning and coordinated government action.
For more news and updates on flood control, visit Filipinokami.com.
