ILOILO City braces for the perennial challenge of flooding as the rainy season threatens not only property but also lives. Assessments by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have identified 72 barangays as high-risk flood zones.
The need for a robust response to flooding is twofold: enhancing community resilience and investing significantly in flood mitigation infrastructure. These twin pillars should form the backbone of Iloilo City’s strategy to mitigate the risks posed by increasingly erratic weather patterns.
Community engagement and resilience are paramount. Residents of high-risk areas need more than just warnings; they need empowerment. This includes education on flood risks, training on emergency response, and regular drills that ensure every member of the community knows how to react when floods strike. The city government can foster this resilience by facilitating community-led initiatives, such as neighborhood watch groups that monitor rising water levels in rivers, creeks and shorelines, and help enforce waste management protocols to keep drainage systems clear.
Community resilience must be bolstered, too, by tangible support in the form of resources and information. Ensuring that all residents have access to real-time alerts and updates can dramatically improve community response times and efficiency during flooding events.
Oh yes, investment in infrastructure is equally crucial. The city’s capacity to manage stormwater effectively depends on the adequacy of its infrastructure. Aging drainage systems must be upgraded, and waterways need to be desilted and maintained regularly to prevent water from overwhelming the city’s defenses.
But investment shouldn’t stop at reactive measures; proactive infrastructure development, like the construction of retention basins and the expansion of green spaces to absorb rainwater, must be prioritized.
This dual approach also calls for accountability and action from both local authorities and national government agencies. The Department of Public Works and Highways, alongside the City Engineer’s Office, must intensify efforts in clearing and maintaining water channels. Budget allocations for these critical activities must be transparent and timely, ensuring that no bureaucratic red tape delays the protective measures necessary to safeguard our communities.
In merging community resilience with infrastructural development, Iloilo City can set a benchmark for flood disaster preparedness. It’s not enough to react to disasters; the aim must be to anticipate and neutralize them effectively.
Come to think of it – these are practical, simple and actionable goals but not doing them can bring a literal flood of dire consequences.
