A CASE STUDY OF IMPACTS OF FLOODING IN ESPANA

BOULEVARD, SAMPALOC DISTRICT

CITY OF MANILA

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirement to Complete the Course

in English 3 - Essay Writing

by

Percibal G. Felices Jr.

BSCE

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 APPROVAL SHEET

Name of the Student: Felices Percibal Jr. G.

(Surname) (First Name) (M.I)

Course/Major: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Project Title: A Case Study of Flooding in Sampaloc District, City of Manila

Date of Defense: _______________Venue: The University of Manila

Prof. Nenita Robediso

Thesis Adviser

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My gratitude to all those who have contributed unselfishly to this

project:

My professor in Flood Control Design and Water Supply, Engr.

Perfecto Zaplan Jr. for imparting knowledge regarding the subjects through

numerous lessons;

To Engr. Mark Gerson Baril of Department of Public Works and

Highway - Manila, and Engr. Milan M. Lacson, Chief, Highway Division IV,

Department of Engineering and Public Works-Manila City Hall Engineering

Department, for providing the needed information;

I would like to acknowledge the attention and correction given by our

English 3 – Essay Writing instructor, Prof. Nenita Robediso.

I would like to thank my parents, Percibal J. Felices Sr. and Amy G. Felices

as well as my brothers and sisters for their prayers.

Finally, I would also like to expand my deepest gratitude to all those

who have directly and indirectly guided me in doing this project.

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 DEDICATED

To

My Mother

A strong and gentle soul who taught me to trust God, to believe in hard

work and that so much could be accomplished with persistent effort and by

never giving up.

My Grandmother

For being my first teacher.

My Father

For being my guardian during my education, for earning an honest living for

us and for supporting and encouraging me to believe in myself.

My Brothers and Sisters

For always believing in me, even at times when I didn't believe in myself.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND IT’S BACKGROUND

ABSTRACT

Philippines is geographically located along the Pacific region near the

Equator, which is prone to tropical cyclones and storms, for that reason,

typhoons are already usual occurrence in the country. The Philippines is

"the most exposed country in the world to tropical storms" according to a

Time Magazine article in 2013. Thus, floods are common especially in

urban areas. Floods have historically posed a threat to our daily lives and

properties.

Historically, from 1990 to 2003 alone, the Philippines experienced an

average of 3.5 destructive typhoons per year with damages costing up to

96.566 billion pesos mostly incurred from flood-damaged properties,

infrastructures and crops. It is reported that an average of 900 persons are

killed and an estimated cost of approximately 8 billion pesos are lost due to

typhoons and associated flooding events. The flood damages are

equivalent to 2% of the national budget and almost double the budgetary

allocation of the DPWH for flood control (DPWH & JICA; Summary Report
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September 2004). Due to ignorance, poverty and lack of well preparedness

someone may vulnerable or exposed to such natural calamities.

This research study investigates the effects of flood on the life and

livelihoods of the affected area. The aims of the study are to assess the

situation, the causes, contributing factors, extent and effects of the flood, to

document the hazard and vulnerability, and various capabilities of the

community during flooding. The study found that there are several causes

of flood hazards. Some of them are construction of infrastructure such as

impervious roads, culverts, clogged drainage system and the topographical

and geographical location of the area of study.

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 INTRODUCTION

Floods are part of people’s lives in different parts of the world,

recurring with varying magnitudes and frequencies to which people have

adapted for centuries. These floods are generally expected and welcomed

in many parts of the world, since they enrich the soil and provide both water

and livelihoods. The Manual of Operational Procedures on Flood

Forecasting and Warning states: "From a strict hydrological sense, flood is

defined as a rise, usually brief, in the water level in a stream to a peak from

which the water level recedes at a slower rate (UNESCO-WMO 1974). The

episodic behavior of a river that may be considered flood is then termed

"flood event" (Linsley, 1942) which is described as a flow of water in a

stream constituting a distinct progressive rise, culminating in a crest,

together with the recession that follows the crest (Linsley, 1942). Flood is

"an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of a stream that may result

in the overflowing by the water of the normal confines of the stream with

the subsequent inundation of areas which are not normally submerged"

(PAGASA).

The frequency of natural disasters has been increasing over the

years, resulting in loss of life, damage to property and destruction of the

environment (Living with Risk, 2000). These floods will affect life and
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livelihoods in human settlements in all areas, such as flood plains, coastal

zones, river deltas and mountains. Flooding is also increasing in urban

areas, causing severe problems for poor and vulnerable people.

Floods are the most common and among the deadliest natural

disasters in the Philippines. Floods are the most frequent natural hazards in

the country, and the costliest in terms of property damage. Floods can

occur in any region, in the countryside or in cities. In the past, floods have

affected hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. They can occur at any time of

the year and are most often caused by heavy rainfall, clogged storm

drainpipe, or more rarely, the failure of a natural or human-made dam. All

Philippine rivers experience flooding at one time or another.

Floods have brought destruction to every province and every city, and

in many areas, they are getting worse. Flooding has badly affected the

infrastructure, environment, economy, business sector, educational

institution and human health and safety, and has contributed in aggravating

traffic problems in highly urbanized areas. Storm water also aggravates

water pollution. Storm water picks up all types of pollutants along its

pathway, it carries these harmful substances in natural bodies of water.

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 In the current years, climate change has been attributed to induce

increasingly more common extreme weather events, and the resulting

natural disasters can easily destroy any efforts made in urban

development. Global warming continues to worsen sea level rise and

extreme weather; thus, our nation’s floodplains are continuously growing.

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 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

One of the cities in the Philippines that is prone to flooding is the

country’s capital itself, the City of Manila. Because of its geographical

location, high density of population and infrastructures and its

topographical, meteorological and hydrological conditions, the City of

Manila, is prone to floods and storm water. Flooding has long been a

problem in Manila, partly because the city lies between Manila Bay and the

surrounding hills of other cities and towns. There are many low-lying areas

toward which flood waters naturally flow when it rains, especially during

heavy rainfall. Urban floods from thunderstorms cause severe problems in

the City of Manila due to road traffic. Majority of flood-prone areas are

along the intersection of creeks and streets located in topographically lower

areas. When creeks and clogged storm drainage overflow or when rapidly

accumulated street flood does not drain immediately to the nearest channel

or conduit, the intersecting road also get flooded. Historically, Flooding is

not a recent hazard in Manila but one that has occurred throughout the

recorded history of the City. A decade ago, on September 26, Tropical

Storm Ondoy ravaged Luzon, submerging areas like Metro Manila in floods

at record-breaking levels. The City of Manila is one of the most affected

area in terms of flooding, with the highest height of flood ranging from knee
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to neck level, up to roof top. The potential for flood damage is particularly

high where there is development on low-lying, flood-prone lands. Flash or

sudden flooding, in which warning time is extremely limited, can result from

other causes such as typhoons, violent rainstorms, or the bursting of dams.

Though all levels of government are working to reduce the impact of floods,

individuals also play an important role. Everyone has a responsibility to

protect their homes and their families. Planning for a flood will also help

prepare us for many other types of emergencies.

Flooding is an important issue in Sampaloc District, City of Manila

especially in España Boulevard. Floods occur almost every rainy season in

the area. Floods have a social consequence for communities and

individuals. The direct impacts of flooding include loss of human life, non-

functioning of infrastructure facilities, damage to property, aggravate traffic

problems, water pollution and deterioration of health conditions owing to

waterborne diseases. Thus, floods affected almost every sector of society.

España Boulevard located in Sampaloc, a district of Manila, known

for flooding during rainy season, serves as a catch basin for runoff water

from higher elevated Quezon City. Besides, inadequate or poorly designed

drainage system, solid wastes that clogged sewer lines, and high

imperviousness (due to concrete pavement lacking the porosity that allows

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floodwaters to subside) aggravate the problem of flooding on that area.

During rainy season, floods are inevitable, thousands of commuters

traveling the traffic routes are affected and it is common to find people

wading in waist-deep floods causing the suspension of classes. It is a

common occurrence that during unexpected heavy downpour students are

being stranded inside the campuses due to flooding.

Flood management in España Boulevard is complicated because of

its large infrastructures, human population, traffic volume and topographical

and geographical location. A 2015 study by the government’s Nationwide

Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) said that “humans have

altered the landscape in the metropolis which has grown rapidly but with

poorly planned urbanization.”

Previous researches and studies have shown that the temporary

solutions can be generally manage through structural measures while the

long-term solutions involve non-structural measures which depend on the

interrelationship between people and government agencies.

The general purpose of this study has been to generate data on the

impact of flooding on the general lives and livelihoods, and the effect of

these events on the natural environment and socio-economic status of the

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people. Furthermore, some objectives have been identified to fulfil the

study goal, which are: (a) To find out the main area of flood affects in the

study area from the literature or historical data sources and from the local

people. (b) To find out the impacts or effects of flood on socioeconomic

status of the respondents of the study area. (c) To find out the most

vulnerable livelihood assets, sector and people. (d) Disaster awareness

and preparedness.

The Thesis also aims to answer the following questions:

1.) What are the possible causes of flooding in the vicinity of España

Blvd. Sampaloc, Manila nowadays?

2.) What are the current flood mitigation measures to prevent or

reduce losses from flooding due to rainfall? What are the proposed

solutions (or flood control projects or programs)? What other solutions will

deter the relentless problem nowadays?

3.) What are the regulations that restrict certain types of activities in

the flood prone areas? What are the laws that must be implemented strictly

to lessen the problem of flooding in the area of study?

ASSUMPTION / HYPOTHESIS
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 This study uses the information gathered from Philippines'

Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the Department of

Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) of Manila, thus, it is assumed that

the information is competent and therefore reliable.

This thesis also utilizes authoritative writings or articles regarding the

subject of study and authors who are experts in Hydrology, Meteorology,

Flood Control and Water Resources Engineering, thus, all the data are

assumed to be factual.

The researcher assume that the respondents are stating only the

facts when answering the questions on the questionnaire.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

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 España Boulvevard in Sampaloc District, City of Manila is infamous

for its flooding during rainy season, for that reason the researcher chose

that specific location in Metro Manila as the subject of the research and

limit the scope of the study within that area.

This research focuses only on the study of causes of flooding and its

impacts on the environment and lives and livelihood of the people within

the area of study. Risk reduction measures (before, during and after

flooding) are included in this study.

The thesis does not propose flood mitigation measure, design of flood

control structure for the area of study or redesigning existing drainage

system.

The respondents are current residents of Sampaloc District City of

Manila. Researcher considered the age range from 18 to above. The

people, who are not directly or partially affected in the flood or its

secondary effects, are not included in this study. People who are

diagnosed with dementia or any other mental health problems, are being

excluded from the study.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

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 This part will provide a short description on the importance of the

research study on the chosen area.

There are various reasons why flood study is important for our own

survival and safety. Disaster awareness and preparedness can save an

individual during the event of flooding. Flooding has many negative

impacts, from property damages to even destruction of human lives and the

environment. Flooding transports other pollutants to other places. This

pollutes the habitats that wildlife may reside in. If the floods are to make

their way into urban areas, then it may interfere with drainage and electrical

systems and may cause traffic disruption. This causes millions of dollars in

damage. Thus, it would be necessary to properly manage flooding to

reduce its impact.

This thesis discusses the causes of flooding and its adverse effects to

one's life and property. It also includes the disaster risk preparation, various

flood mitigation proposals and current government programs to mitigate the

effects of flooding. Since flooding affected all sectors of society, everyone

has the obligation to contribute in reducing the damages and solving the

problem brought by the said natural calamity.

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 This research study is correlated with the vision of the University of

Manila, which is to impart to all future generations its trilogy of ideals: Love

of Country, Love of Science and Love of Virtue in making the lives of others

better, brighter, lighter and more livable. Thus, this research uses reliable

information, so that the researcher educates the reader on the causes and

impacts of flooding, various flood mitigation measures and disaster

awareness and preparedness.

Striving for excellence, The University of Manila mission is to create

an atmosphere of academic excellence and competence; empowering its

student with modern scientific and technological skills in braving the

challenges of the global society.

As an engineering student of the university, applying the mission and

vision statement, the researcher conducts a research which seeks to inform

the reader on the causes and impacts of natural hazards not only to human

lives but also to the environment.

Specifically, the study may be deemed significant to the following:

a.) Students. The research study may help the students to be more

knowledgeable about the problem and the available remedies. They

can use the knowledge gained from this research study, when they

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 became workers in the field of engineering and scientific research.

This study also will help them to be more adaptive to today’s

environment, this is true, since they are the most affected of flooding

during rainfall and storm surge.

b.) Researcher. The thesis can be used as reference for the future

researchers, whether students or professionals, in the field of Flood

Control Design and Water Resources Engineering.

c.) Teachers or Instructors. The research is beneficial to the instructor

who taught in colleges and universities within flood prone areas,

since they are among those affected by flood hazard.

d.) Residents and commuters in España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila. The

study may benefit and help the residents of España, Sampaloc,

Manila to be more aware that pollution and other common or known

reasons are some of the causes of flooding in the City of Manila.

Thus, they have an obligation to mitigate the hazardous impact of

flooding in their community. Also, this will make them knowledgeable

regarding risk reduction measures, so that, they can prevent or

reduce losses due to flooding.

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 DEFINITION OF TERMS

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

LOCAL LITERATURE

Metro Manila Area is in a tropical monsoon climatic zone, and the

combination of typhoons and other climatic conditions with geographical

factor of situating zero meters above sea level causes frequent flooding

(DPWH-JICA).

The flooding in Metro Manila according to Miranda MK of Health

Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN) is mainly

caused by 1) the overflowing of the main rivers: Pasig-Marikina, Malabon-

Navotas, San Juan river basins; 2) insufficient inland drainage facilities to

cope with excessive surface run-off; and 3) a combination of the above.

Flooding is compounded by the high tides of Manila Bay occurring

simultaneously with the above. Solid wastes which are indiscriminately

dumped in waterways and siltation possibly due to soil erosion of

deforested watershed areas reduce capacities of drainage pipelines,

esteros and river tributaries. Squatter communities on riverbanks add to the

constriction of flow of storm waters along the rivers and are most

vulnerable to high floods. Sewage loads from households directly discharge

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into the river systems have increased due to migration and population

growth. Debatable is the direct impact of denuded forests of the river

watershed and its contribution to Metro Manila flooding. Human error has

also contributed to flood disasters such as in neglecting the timely

operation of pumping stations and flood gates of flood control structures.

There are three river basins in Metro Manila which have their own unique

character and hydraulic relationship with Laguna Lake, Manila Bay and the

Mangahan Floodway. The interrelationship of these bodies of water

provides the basis for storm water management and planning for mitigation

of flooding. Flooding due to insufficient inland drainage occurs more

frequently but flooding due to river overflows brings more serious damage.

In highly urbanized Metro Manila, flooding is as much a man-made disaster

as a natural disaster. Habits behavior and culture and unabated urban

population growth are ultimately to blame for the environmental

degradation of Metro Manila due to floods. With the floods come the traffic

mess and frayed nerves. (Miranda M.K., HERDIN)”.

The subsequent flooding incidents caused thousands of Metro Manila

residents stranded on the streets or trapped in vehicles all night after heavy

rains. Over the past half century, these floods have become both more

extensive and more severe as experienced in recent storm Ondoy and

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Habagat. In order to reduce and prevent the hazards due to flood waters,

measures have been implemented through physical measures which

involve structural related works and non-physical measures including land

zoning ordinance, education and public information (JICA, 1990 & 2005).

Existing flood management facilities are inadequate to protect the

population and economic assets that are repeatedly affected by flooding.

Flood events are aggravated by factors such as institutional fragmentation

and lack of maintenance including dredging of sediments and cleaning of

solid waste, which reduces the capacity of rivers, waterways and drainage

to carry rainfall away from the affected areas (Abon et al. 2011, Liongson

2010, Zoleta-Nantes 2000).

How do we solve our flooding problem?

With the recent floods in the Philippines brought about by Tropical

Storm “Gorio,” we are once again reminded of a problem that comes to us

with great regularity and increasing severity.

“Bakit bumabaha sa Manila?” Why does it flood in Manila? As a civil

engineer teaching at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, I always

asked my students that question.

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 Some blamed the drainage system which they described as poorly

designed; others blamed the garbage that clogged sewer lines. Some cited

the city’s concrete as lacking the porosity that allows floodwaters to recede

faster.

Of course, I appreciated those answers because, indeed, inadequate

drainage systems and high imperviousness aggravate the problem of

flooding. But if these were fixed, would Manila be flood-free?

The answer lies not in Manila’s drainage system or land cover, but in

its geography: Most parts of Manila are situated in a floodplain — the area

adjacent to a river that is inundated when water rises.

A floodplain is fertile land suitable for agriculture, but when people

transform it into a residential or commercial area, it becomes flood prone.

Therefore, from an engineering perspective, Metro Manila will always be

vulnerable to flooding: The drainage system, no matter how well-

maintained, can only store water from precipitation itself but not when the

river swells. The same may be said of other areas in the country situated

near creeks and rivers.

This conundrum begs the question: If floods are inevitable, what can

we do about them?

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 First, we need a reliable flood forecasting system. Fortunately, our

scientists have initiated efforts toward this direction, including Mahar

Lagmay and his colleagues in Project NOAH, as well as Enrico Paringit et

al. of UP Diliman’s DREAM program. But more work needs to be done:

There are still many areas in the Philippines without flood maps. In the

United States, approximate but expedient terrain-based flood mapping that

does not need ground surveys has been gaining popularity. The application

of such a method in the Philippines must be explored.

In my studies at the University of Texas at Austin, I have been

privileged to witness the United States’ move toward a contiguous National

Water Model, which increases forecast locations from 4,000 to 2.7 million.

In the Philippines, the UPLB project of formulating a national water

security roadmap — in conjunction with the National Water Resources

Board—is a welcome development. But such plans must go beyond what

Ernesto Ordoñez, secretary general of the National Water Roadmap

Summit, called “ningas kugon” in a presummit meeting held on July 12,

which I attended. As with Project NOAH, such initiatives can only stay

afloat with enough government support.

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 Second, there must be interoperability between forecasters and local

government units: Forecasts must reach local emergency responders. Our

flood warning and response system must be strengthened. Again, there

have been advancements toward this end. For instance, an SMS warning

system is now in place in vulnerable areas. Also, Project NOAH’s inclusion

in the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment system of the National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council has undoubtedly saved thousands

through timely warnings of incoming floods. We should support these and

similar efforts.

Finally, data sources must be readily available to the public. The fact

is that there is no openness of data in our country. While many reasons can

be offered for such secretiveness, like security, I find it ironic that when I

made Philippine flood maps, I had to rely on US agencies to download

Philippine data. Moreover, many researchers around the world—students,

for example—would like to study the Philippines’ flooding situation but are

impeded because of lack of data. International collaboration will surely

accelerate the knowledge and skills required for this.

The Philippines, while blessed with water resources, will continue to

be vulnerable to floods. But there are ingenious ways that we can adopt to

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address this problem. Floods are here to stay, but we need not suffer their

consequences

(From: Dr. Jonathan David Lasco; Philippine Daily Inquirer August 07,

2017).

FOREIGN LITERATURE

According to Nott (2006), the causes of floods can be broadly divided

into physical, such as climatologically forces, and human influences such

as vegetation clearing and urban development. The most common causes

of floods are climate related, most especially rainfall. Prolonged rainfall

events are the most common cause of flooding worldwide. These events

are usually associated with several days, weeks or months long of

continuous rainfall. Human impacts on river catchments influence flood

behavior. Land use changes in particular have a direct impact on the

magnitude and behavior of floods all over the world. Deforestation results in

increased run-off and often a decrease in channel capacity due to

increased sedimentation rates.

Borrows and De Bruin (2006) indicated that among natural

catastrophes, flooding has claimed more lives than any other single natural

hazard. In the decade 1986 to 1995, flooding accounted for 31% of the

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global economic loss from natural catastrophes and 55% of the casualties.

The damaging effects of flooding are likely to become more frequent, more

prevalent and more serious in the future. Carey (2005) argues that human

populations worldwide are vulnerable to natural disasters. Certain

conditions such as geographical location or people’s income level can

affect the degree to which natural disasters impact people’s homes and

livelihoods. A study of Nott (2006) correctly points out that a normal level of

flood event is not considered to be a natural hazard unless there is a threat

to human life or property. The most vulnerable landscapes for floods are

low-lying parts of floodplains, lowlying coasts and deltas, small basins

subject to flash floods. Rivers offer human respondents populations

transport links, a water source, recreational amenities, fertile plains and are

an attractive place for settlements. Floods then become a major natural

hazard because of the high human population densities that inhabit these

lands. He indicated that the direct impacts of a flood are closely related to

the extent of affected area and depth of floods water. The extent of a flood

has a direct relationship with the recovery times of crops, pastures and the

social and economical dislocation impact to populations of a country.

Floods are the most costly and wide reaching of all natural hazards. They

are responsible for up to 50,000 deaths and adversely affect some 75

28
million people on average worldwide in every year. Disease occurrence is

common especially in less developed countries. Malaria and Typhoid

outbreaks after floods in tropical countries are also common. It has been

estimated that in India and Bangladesh 300 million people live in areas that

are affected by floods (Nott, 2006). Physical damage to property is one of

the major causes for tangible loss in floods. This includes the cost of

damage to goods and possessions, loss of income or services in the floods

aftermath and clean-up costs. Some impacts of floods are intangible and

are hard to place a monetary figure on. Intangible losses also include

increased levels of physical, emotional and psychological health problems

suffered by flood affected people. In a study of Know Risk (2005), it is

observed that the economic impact of natural disasters shows a marked

upward trend over the last several decades worldwide. The hazards tend to

hit communities in developing countries, increasing their vulnerability and

setting back their economic and social growth, sometimes by decades. The

floods have led to loss of human life, destruction of social and economic

infrastructure and degradation of already fragile ecosystems and social

structures. The study indicates that social impacts include changes in

people’s way of life, their culture, community, political systems,

environment, health and wellbeing, their personal and property rights and

29
their fears and aspirations. In this study it was suggested in the results that,

social impacts are linked to the level of well being of individuals,

communities and society. It includes aspects related to the level of literacy

and education, the existence of peace and security, access to basic human

rights, systems of good governance, social equity, positive traditional

values, knowledge structure, customs and ideological beliefs and overall

collective organizational systems. Some groups are more vulnerable than

others, mainly those less privileged in society (Living with Risk, 2002).

In a study of south Asian region Bank off (2003) states that, in

Philippines, flooding is not a recent hazard but one that has occurred

throughout the recorded history. On the one hand, it is related to a wider

global ecological crisis to do with climate change and rising sea levels but

on the other hand, it is also the effect of more-localized human activities. A

whole range of socio-economic factors such as land use practices, living

standards and policy responses are increasingly influencing the frequency

of natural hazards such as floods and the corresponding occurrence of

disasters. He also mentioned in his study that, Municipality has its basis in

a complex risk of inter-relating factors that emphasize how the nature of

vulnerability is constructed through the lack of mutuality between

environment and human activity over time. Statistical trends suggest that
30
floods have become more numerous and more devastating in recent years.

Certainly the frequency of events and the number of people affected have

increased steadily as human related activities such as deforestation;

overgrazing and urbanization aggravate environmental conditions, making

communities more vulnerable (Bank off, 2003).

CONCEPTUAL/ THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY

The impacts of flood on lives and livelihoods depend on the

combination of different types of impact on individual sector.

FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY

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 PARADIGM OF THE STUDY

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 RELEVANCE OF THE REVIEWED LITERATURE AND STUDIES TO

PRESENT STUDIES

The literatures that are being reviewed in this thesis are previous

researches that are related to the present studies regarding the adverse

effects of flooding. It also shows the importance of this research study in

flood risk management.

Based on the literatures reviewed, the increasing population in urban

area is leading to the escalating exposure of people and property to

hazards of flooding. With the increased population in flood prone areas, it

may be expected that the effects of climate change will further aggravate

this. At present, there are no sufficient and effective measures globally to

limit the growing chance and consequence of flooding. The evidence is that

flood risk is increasing, and continuing alertness is needed to ensure that

existing systems are maintained, and improvements are introduced. It is

imperative that human society adopts a risk management approach (or risk

reduction measures) if there is to be harmonious coexistence with floods. In

practical terms, the chance of flooding can never be eliminated entirely.

However, the consequences of flooding can be mitigated by appropriate

behaviors and actions. Successful flood risk management is dependent

upon the active support of all on whom the effects of flooding may impact.
33
The literature suggests that socially vulnerable or disadvantaged

households have lower levels of disaster preparedness. Flood risk is

expected to increase substantially in coming years as a result of both

climate change and continued socio-economic development. While there

are positive impacts of flooding on the environment such as making the soil

fertile, we cannot deny that most of flood studies acknowledge that flooding

has had more negative effects on people and properties. However, the

studies have tended to address the subject matter depending on the

objective of the study. This literature review suggests that the

documentation of longer-term flood impacts on communities vary markedly

specially on socio-economic sector.

Chapter 3

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 METHODS OF RESEARCH

RESEARCH DESIGN

The most appropriate methodology applied in this study is Mixed

Method (combination of interviews, survey and archival study) since this

study focus on the impacts of flooding on the different sectors of

community.

METHODOLOGY

This narrative study was carried out in Sampaloc District, City of

Manila. A survey was conducted among the residents, students, daily

commuters and workers to find out the sample group of this study. The

survey was carried out for find out the affected populations in flood. People,

whom the researcher got by during a survey, are the samples of this study.

The sample selection procedure of this study is purposive. The survey was

conducted through a simple self-developed questioner (appendix 01) by the

researcher. The questioner is adapted in Tagalog language and translated

also into English, so that the questions are understandable to the

respondents. After finding out the sample group, researcher collect all the

required data and information about the livelihood impacts of flood among

35
the sample group through a self-developed semi structural interview of the

individual household. The data collection unit was every household among

the sample. To complete the interview, observation and recording

technique were used to collect information about flood effects on their

livelihood. The interview was taken from those who fulfilled the inclusion

criteria of the study.

Permission was taken from every volunteer participant by using the

consent form (appendix 02). At the beginning of data collection, researcher

informed every participant about the ethical and confidential issues of this

study. It was also informed that participant had right to refuse to answer

any question of the research and had the right to withdraw from any part of

the research. All data of the research was used only for the research

purpose and it was protected safely.

The different livelihood assets like household, appliances, furniture,

land etc., are the dependent variables in this study. Observation and

individual household interview of all the members of the house methods are

used for collecting data from participants. The questionnaire was mainly

focused on the flood impacts on livelihood assets of the affected population

in the study areas.

36
 Floods and its impacts are the independent variables in this research

study. For these variables, all respondents report the flood situation at the

study area as well as the major impacts. The respondents were asked to

explain the impacts of the major flood of the recent future. They also asked

for any massive disaster or disruptions for the flood and the secondary

effects of the flood. For this data collection a semi structural self-developed

questioner is developed by the researcher. Some types of short answer

were including at that question. That people who are the affected from the

flood and associated factors of flood are included in this study. The age

level of the sample is one of the most important factors. The pilot study was

conducted with the five number of small sample group, to check the

appropriateness of data collection and match the answers to the objectives

of the study. The sample size of the study is selected from the total number

of populations.

In addition, secondary data and information were collected from the

relevant organization such as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

(MMDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Trade and

Industries (DTI-NCR), National Water Resources Board (Philippines),

Google Map, National Economic Development Authority and Office of the

37
City Engineer [DEPW] -City Government of Manila. In this quantitative data,

the total population of the district, educational level, main income source of

that district is collected. With the help of the data collection questioner, in-

depth interview and key informant interview were conducted with twenty-

five (25) household in this area. For a fruitful and informative data

collection, this research used participants’ own experience, view, and

opinions to accomplish the objectives of this study during the interview. The

answers were recorded by a tape recorder which was helpful for the

analysis of the participants view appropriately. After collecting the primary

data from the study area, all information is coded.

For Flood Hazard Mapping this equation was used to show the

significant hazard or risk the floodwaters would be on people. This formula

was derived from the DEFRA/Environment Agency based on their study

about the Flood Risk to people.

HR = d*(v + 0.5) + DF

Where:
HR = Flood Hazard Rating
D= depth of flooding (in meters)
V = velocity of flood waters (meter/sec)

38
 DF = debris factor (= 0.05, 1 depending on probability that debris will lead to a
significantly greater hazard)

To get the Velocity of flood waters in urban areas, this formula is

used, V= Q/A

Where:
V = velocity of flood waters (meter/sec)
Q = flow rate (in mm/hr.)
A = flow area (m^2)

The flow rate or the design peak storm water runoff rate is calculated

using the Rational Method equation,

Q = CiA

Where:
Q = flow rate (in mm/hr.)
A = tributary area or area of barangay (m^2)
C = run-off coefficient
I = Rainfall Intensity

39
 Rainfall data were made available through Hydrometeorological

Section of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA).

People vulnerability mapping focuses on showing the rate of people

who are most vulnerable during a disaster. The following formula is used to

calculate the number of people vulnerable in an area.

PV% = [(PWD + Ederly + Infants + Pregnant)] /population * 100

Where:
PV% = rating of people vulnerability expressed as percentage
PWD = number of people with disability
Elderly = number of elderly people
Infants = number of infants (0-12months)
Pregnant = number of pregnant women
Population = total population in the area

STUDY AREA

40
 Sampaloc is a district of Manila, Philippines. It is referred to as the

University Belt, for numerous colleges and universities are found within the

district such as the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest extant university

in Asia; the National University, the first private nonsectarian and

coeducational institution in the Philippines; the Far Eastern University,

known for its Art Deco campus and cultural heritage site of the Philippines;

and the University of the East, once dubbed as the largest university in

Asia in terms of enrollment. The district is bordered by the districts of

Quiapo and San Miguel in the south, Santa Mesa district in the south and

east, Santa Cruz district in the west and north, and Quezon City in the

northeast.

Barangays 395-636 of the City of Manila would all have belonged to

Sampaloc and comprise 241 barangays for the district. However, what are

now known as barangays 587-636 became part of Sta. Mesa when these

areas were separated from Sampaloc after Sta. Mesa became a separate

parish in 1911. Sta. Mesa is now a part of the 6th congressional district of

Manila, while Sampaloc is the sole district comprising the 4th congressional

district of Manila. The Main thoroughfares in Sampaloc are S.H. Loyola

(formerly Lepanto), Vicente Cruz, M. De La Fuente, P. Florentino,

41
Blumentritt, Aurora Boulevard, Dapitan, Laon Laan, Dimasalang, Maria

Clara, Maceda, Padre Campa, Padre Noval, Tomas Earnshaw (Bustillos),

Legarda, Gastambide, Recto Avenue, Lerma, Morayta, Lacson Avenue and

España Boulevard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampaloc,_Manila).

España Boulevard is an 8–lane major thoroughfare in Metro Manila

named after the Spanish name of Spain, the Philippines' colonial power for

333 years. True to its name, several Spanish names abound the street. It

starts at the Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Quezon City and Manila

and ends with a Y-intersection with Lerma and Nicanor B. Reyes Sr. Street

in Manila. España is two kilometers long.

España is an east-west artery of Manila. It connects Lerma and

Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) streets of Sampaloc district at the west

end to the Mabuhay (or Welcome) Rotonda, Quezon City at the east end.

The entire street is straddled by a center island, which is only broken at

major intersections and at the railroad crossing. Vehicles are allowed to

make a left turn only on two intersections: southward to Lacson Avenue

and at the western terminus going to Nicanor Reyes Street. España is two

kilometers long.

42
 España's north side is its west-bound (Manila-bound) side, while the

south side is its east-bound (Quezon City-bound) side. Buses, taxis,

jeepneys and cabriolets serve the commuters (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espa

%C3%B1a_Boulevard).

España Boulevard at night (left) and during its usual afternoon rush hour traffic (right).

43
 According to Department of Trade and Industry, the City of Manila

produce industrial-related products such as chemicals, textiles, clothing

electronic goods, food, beverages, and tobacco products. The growth in

services and industry fueled the expansion in NCR’s construction and

manufacturing — making NCR the largest contributor to the country’s

production of goods and services at 36.6% GDP. Majority of the micro,

small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in operation can also be found in

the NCR, with190,166 business establishments and creating 61.6% of the

44
total jobs generated in the Philippines last 2015

(https://www.dti.gov.ph/regions/ncr/ncr-profile-of-region).

Number of Establishments and Total Employment in NCR (MSMEs)

Sampaloc a District in Manila City has a population of 375,119 as of

Population Census 2015-08-01.

45
 Source: National Statistics Office of the Philippines (web), National Statistical
Coordination Board (web),www.citypopulation.de/php/philippines-manilacity-admin.php?
adm1id=133906.

Manila's wealth is the prime reason the city's population is exploding.

If you want a piece of development and prosperity in the Philippines, you

have to come to the capital. Rural poverty has caused thousands of Filipino

people to flood into Manila every year from the countryside in search of

their fortune. They arrive to find few jobs and nowhere to live – but this still

isn't enough to make them return home (Manila: A megacity where the

living must share with the dead by Jenny Kleeman).

Majority of the population in the Sampaloc District are students

(permanently settled and dormers). The population in the area can be seen

at its maximum during 5-8pm where class ends and some students who

live in area go out to eat dinner (Urban re-planning of Sampaloc District by

Mariel Sanchez).

46
 Source: Urban re planning of Sampaloc District by Mariel Sanchez

The basic literacy rate (for the whole Metro Manila) is 99.4 percent

among females and 99.0 percent among males. Among men, functional

literacy rate ranges from 93.1 percent for those who watched television to

95.5 percent for those who surfed the internet. Among women, it ranges

from 94.8 percent for those who watched television to 97.0 percent for

those who surfed the internet.

47
 Source: https://psa.gov.ph/content/literacy-men-and-women-philippines-results-2008-
functional-literacy-education-and-mass-media
Almost every rainy season, especially during heavy downpour,

people of the area of study experienced flood. Metro Manila Development

Authority (MMDA) report showed that it took an average of 30 minutes for

floods in Metro Manila to subside in 2018. According to interview of Chief

Engineer of the study area, impervious roads, clogged waterways and

runoff from nearby city, are among the main causes of regular flood. Almost

all educational institution and business sector are affected during flood

situation.

Sampaloc District comprise of barangays 395-586.

48
 FLOOD HAZARD MAP OF SAMPALOC DISTRICT

ECONOMY - Circulation of money within the area is mainly concentrated in

food consumerism. Plenty of eateries, restaurants, fast food chains and

even small food carts are available in the area much to the demands of the

49
students. The second major factor contributing to the circulation of money

will be the services offered by different business owners. Printing and

photocopying services are a good business around the area. Copy Trade,

Alva, Jolis, are some of the famous services that offer printing and

photocopying.Computer arcades are also profiting well in the area. The-

Net.Com and Will Gates are examples of computer arcades within the

area. There are also services like spa and massages and hairstyling salons

around the area like Sparenity and Chic Salon. Shops are also another

source of money in the area, mainly Jolis, Jomars and Joyce which sells

school supplies specializing in art supplies. There are also small shops

here and there in the area like tailoring and clothes shop, accessory shops

and others. A very populated area where consumerism is concentrated

would be P. Noval that is located beside University of Santo Tomas (Urban

Re-planning of Sampaloc District by Mariel Sanchez).

DISCUSSION

I. FLOOD IMPACTS ON HUMAN LIVES

Floods as natural hazards affecting Manila are probably the most

damaging and devastating because of their long-term and repetitive effects.

50
The occurrence of floods in Manila has resulted in losses of many lives.

Some deaths are indirectly cause by floods. Floods can potentially increase

the transmission of water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis and vector-

borne diseases such as dengue. It has long been established that the poor

are the most vulnerable group when it comes to facing disastrous events

due to lack of access to financial resources (Palm 1990; Blaikie et al.

1994). The street children, residents of slum and squatter communities and

those living near esteros are the most susceptible to flood hazards.

II. FLOOD IMPACTS ON EDUCATION

In highly urbanized area like Sampaloc Manila, streets can get

flooded easily even in the slightest rainfall. Flooding in España Boulevard is

a common occurrence during rainy season. According to one of the

respondents there is an instance that during the typhoon Ondoy, that the

flood water level reaches the second floor of a dormitory where most of the

tenants are students. Since numerous colleges and universities are found

within the area of study, among the most affected of flooding are students

in the university belt. Six years ago, on June 13, 2013, when heavy

monsoon rains hit parts of Metro Manila, it had triggered floods in major

thoroughfares. The floods affected classes and caused heavy traffic. A

51
waist-high floods submerged España and parts of the campus causing the

suspensions of classes. Around 2,000 students of the University of Sto.

Tomas in Manila were stranded due to floods, because students could not

leave and instead gathered inside the campus until around 7 p.m. At least

20 colleges and universities suspended Thursday classes because of the

floods.

In 2013, according to DepEd data, 16.3% of elementary schools (that

is, over 5,000 schools) were flooded at least once. Close to 5%, or 1,467

schools were flooded three or more times and 568 schools experienced 5

or more floods. Among public high schools 17.2% were flooded at least

once.

Philippine schools are used to getting flooded periodically during a

year. In National Capital Region (NCR), 42.4% of elementary schools and

40.3% of high schools experienced floods at least once in 2013. For some

of these schools, the flooding presents challenges on different fronts (A

way of life: Flooding in public schools, Jenna Mae L. Atun and Clarissa C.

David)

52
 Juan Luna Elementary School, located in Sampaloc, Manila near

España Avenue, is surrounded by flood-prone streets. During heavy

rainfall, streets near the school get flooded and students have a hard time

getting to school. “Apektado, di pumapasok ang mga bata. Kasi hanggang

kalahati pa-tuhod yung tubig eh,” (School's affected, children don't go to

school, because the floods are halfway up to the knees) principal Dr.

Miriam Collantes explains. Some parents would have to spend extra money

to hire a pedicab so their children can safely get to class.

Schools have grown resilient against regular flooding by devising

ways to make up for lost school days. Compared to the rest of the country,

NCR schools are more likely to get flooded. When examined against school

performance, you will find that high schools reporting more floods have

53
higher test scores, suggesting that schools get used to the conditions. They

devised ways to work around hazards that occur with regularity.

III. FLOOD IMPACTS ON INFRASTRUCTURES & HOUSING

The homes of those that were interviewed ranged from small,

rudimentary single-story structures to expansive, 6-story buildings. Most of

homes had walls made of cement while others had walls made of plywood.

Most households had roofs made of either G.I corrugated metal sheets. All

households had electricity and had piped water connections.

About 75 percent of respondents claimed that it flooded in their area

more than once a year. The estimated flood height reported for the

September 2009 flood event was 4 meters outdoors and 3 meters indoors.

The intensified monsoon and resulting flood caused damage to property,

including the dwelling structure itself and its contents – appliances,

electronic devices, and personal belongings. Most houses only needed

thorough cleaning, but others had damaged floors, roofs, and walls. The

most commonly damaged household appliances were television sets, rice

cookers, refrigerators, washing machines, and radios. Some households

also experienced damage to their vehicles – cars and motorcycles.

54
 The amount of losses reported by households was PHP 33,000 which

was 165 percent of the average monthly income of sampled households or

13.8 percent of their average annual household income.

IV. FLOOD IMPACTS ON TRANSPORTATION

Philippines is a flood-prone country because of the 20 or so typhoons

that hit us every year. Metro Manila is particularly prone to flooding

because of its low altitude. Everybody knows that even a light downpour

floods many streets in the metropolis, resulting in stalled traffic. Add to this

the narrowing of streets caused by illegal settlements or vendors.

Floods worsen the traffic problems in España Boulevard in Sampaloc

District, Manila. During flash floods thousands of motorists and commuters

are stranded. Long lines were reported in MRT and LRT stations as

commuters tried to avoid the gridlock by taking the trains.

55
 Flooded Espana Boulevard Photo © http://dzrhnews.com

V. FLOOD IMPACTS ON ECONOMICS, BUSINESS AND LIVELIHOODS

Livelihoods comprise the assets (natural, physical, human, financial,

and social capital), the activities, and the access to these (mediated by

institutions and social relations) that together determine the living gained by

the individual or household. Among the different aspects of livelihood, this

study focuses on the flood-related impacts and coping mechanisms related

to incomes and occupations of the rural poor. Here, the term “coping

mechanisms” describes the approaches people employ to deal successfully

56
with crisis (Impact of floods on livelihoods and vulnerability of natural

resource dependent communities in Northern Ghana, Armah, F.A. et. al).

Floods make people vulnerable, as they take away their livelihoods or

the source of income at the first instance and leave them with little

resources to overcome from the situation. The impact of floods on the poor,

especially those living in flood-prone urban area, is even greater. The

reasons behind this are a lack of assets and inadequate food supplies.

Flood not only deteriorates the social lives of people but also the economy.

It causes damage to standing houses, transportation and communication

systems, educational and institutional buildings, industrial and commercial

buildings and other social facilities. It also deteriorates the normal functions

of life affecting homesteads, agricultural land, daily activities, water supply,

sanitation conditions, and economic structure. These combined impacts on

society, the economy, and physical infrastructures jeopardize the

livelihoods of the urban poor. The poor are constantly struggling to cope

with these impacts and manage their livelihoods. Sometimes, coping

strategies fail to be effective and only render them more vulnerable.

Knowing the detailed impacts of floods on the livelihood of the poor and

how they cope with the situation could facilitate the planning and

57
implementation of effective flood risk reduction programs in as climatic

conditions change in the future. It would also help to ease the coping

mechanisms of the poor and thus to protect them from further

vulnerabilities due to flood.

VI. FLOOD IMPACTS ON FOOD, WATER & ENVIRONMENT

At present, there is a paucity of research quantifying the impacts of

natural disasters on food security in the Philippines. An exception is the

WFP (2009) which conducted a study on typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and

Pepeng (Parma) including their impacts on food security at the household

level. The study found that as a coping strategy to adapt to the effects of

Ondoy and Pepeng, the most frequently reported consumption coping

mechanism, used by 79 % of the households surveyed, was to rely less on

preferred or expensive food. The least used consumption coping strategy,

adopted by 5 % of the households, was sending family members outside

for food. On the other hand, the most common non-consumption coping

mechanism, used by 15.1 % of households, was selling labor in advance,

while the least utilized was the selling of household and agricultural assets

for food, a mechanism used by just 5.2 % of households.

58
 The results of the study indicate that, particularly at the household

level, natural disasters may have a significant impact on food security.

They also show that households differ in their consumption and non-

consumption strategies to cope with their difficult food security situation.

They further indicate that non-consumption strategies to address their food

needs were practiced by households, although not as commonly as

consumption strategies.

Limited available data and information also preclude a quantitative

evaluation of the negative impacts of natural disasters on the natural

resources and the environment of the Philippines. Thus, a descriptive and

generally qualitative assessment is instead conducted based on past

research. Flood water currents carry all sorts of wastes that are then

dumped into catchment areas. These wastes in turn pollute surface and

ground water, including that used for drinking and sanitation. There is also

no available study at present that quantifies the impact of floods on waste

accumulation and water pollution in the Philippines.

VII. FLOOD IMPACTS ON SANITATION, HEALTH AND WELLNESS

59
 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), floods can

potentially increase the transmission of water-borne diseases (such as

typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A) and vector-borne

diseases (like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever).“Flooding is

associated with an increased risk of infection,” says the United Nations

health agency. “However, this risk is low unless there are significant

population displacement and/or water sources are compromised. ”The

major risk factor for outbreaks associated with flooding is the contamination

of drinking-water facilities, and even when this happens, as in Iowa and

Missouri in 1993, “the risk of outbreaks can be minimized if the risk is well

recognized and disaster-response addresses the provision of clean water

as a priority,” WHO says. It adds that “there is an increased risk of infection

of water-borne diseases contracted through direct contact with polluted

waters, such as wound infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose

and throat infections. However, these diseases are not epidemic-prone.

Perhaps, the only epidemic-prone infection, which can be transmitted

directly from contaminated water is leptospirosis, a zoonotic bacterial

disease. Transmission occurs through contact of the skin and mucous

membranes with water, damp soil or vegetation (such as sugar cane) or

60
mud contaminated with rodent urine. “The occurrence of flooding after

heavy rainfall facilitates the spread of the organism due to the proliferation

of rodents, which shed large amounts of leptospires in their urine,” the

WHO points out.

On the other hand, floods may indirectly lead to an increase in vector-

borne diseases through the expansion in the number and range of vector

habitats. “Standing water caused by heavy rainfall or overflow of rivers can

act as breeding sites for mosquitoes, and therefore enhance the potential

for exposure of the disaster-affected population and emergency workers to

infections,” the WHO notes. Flooding may initially flush out mosquito

breeding, but it comes back when the waters recede. “The lag time is

usually around six to eight weeks before the onset of a malaria epidemic,”

the WHO reminds. The UN health agency says the risk of outbreaks is

greatly increased by complicating factors. Among these are changes in

human behavior (increased exposure to mosquitoes while sleeping outside,

a temporary pause in disease control activities, overcrowding), or changes

in the habitat which promote mosquito breeding (landslide, deforestation,

river damming and rerouting).

61
 Other health risks posed by flooding include drowning and injuries or

trauma. Hypothermia may also be a problem, particularly in children, if

trapped in floodwaters for lengthy periods. There may also be an increased

risk of respiratory tract infections due to exposure (loss of shelter, exposure

to flood waters and rain) {https://businessmirror.com.ph/2014/10/10/health-

problems-caused-by-floods/}.

Flood waters can pollute even drinking water in a damage water pipe.

Waterborne diseases are caused by drinking contaminated or dirty water.

Contaminated water can cause many types of diarrheal diseases, including

Cholera, and other serious illnesses such as Guinea worm disease,

Typhoid, and Dysentery.

VIII. EXISTING STRUCTURAL FLOOD MITIGATION IN MANILA

According to Tabios et al (2000), there are three types of flood

occurrence in Metro Manila: local street floods, moderate floods and

regional floods. The current drainage network in Metro Manila consists of

44 km mains, 1,200 km drainage laterals, 290 km of esteros and canals,

and 153 km of river and major streams. To address the stormwater that

exceeds the current capacity of the drainage network, the Philippine

62
government has installed several structural flood mitigation measures to

further reduce the extent of flooding. A summary of the kinds of major

structures, built and

63
 proposed for Metro Manila, are shown in Table below.

64
(Structural Flood Mitigation in Metro Manila: Consequences and Implications on Urban
Flood and the Environment; Romeo GILBUENA, Jr. et.al).

IX. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS FOR FLOODING PROBLEMS IN MANILA

The proposed solutions are (a) Improving sewage and drainage

systems and de-clogging the existing structures. (b) Proper waste

disposals. (c) Rehabilitation of pumping stations. (d) Reducing the

existence of future high-rise structures. (e) Provision of Rainwater

Harvesting System in every barangay. (f) Promoting Green building

Infrastructures. (g) Provision of Storage Detention Tanks in the area of

study. (h) Elevating road pavements.

The Philippine government, with financial and technical support from

the World Bank, formulated the Metro Manila Flood Management Master

Plan, which was approved by the National Economic and Development

Authority (NEDA) Board in 2012.

1. The master plan proposed a set of measures to effectively manage

major flood events in the future which include the following:

(a) reduce flooding from river systems that run through the metropolis, by

building a dam in the upper Marikina River catchment area to reduce peak

65
river flows entering Metro Manila during typhoons and other extreme

rainfall events;

(b) eliminate long-term flooding in the flood plain of Laguna de Bay to

protect the population living along the shore against high water levels;

improve urban drainage, including modernization of Metro Manila’s

pumping stations;

(c) improve flood forecasting and early warning systems and community-

based flood risk management; and

(d) improve institutional arrangements for better flood management.

2. Under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, 36 existing pumping

stations will be modernized, 20 new ones will be constructed, and

supporting infrastructure along critical waterways will be improved in the

cities of Manila, Pasay, Taguig, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan,

Pasig, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Caloocan. Many of Metro Manila’s

existing pumping stations were built in the 1970s and have become

inefficient and underperforming.

3. Solid waste clogs waterways and the entries to pumping stations,

affecting the operation and maintenance of the pumps. Hence, the project

66
will improve management of solid waste within villages in the vicinity of

drainage systems served by the pumping stations. It will also support

government’s resettlement of informal settlers that have encroached on the

waterways.

4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro

Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement the project in close

coordination with local governments and key shelter agencies. Slated to

start this year, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

5. In 2015, the World Bank obtained a US$6-million grant from the

Australia-World Bank Philippines Development Trust Fund and Policy and

Human Resources Development Trust Fund of Japan to finance studies

and designs of other interventions for the next phase of the master plan

implementation. (Project Highlights: Metro Manila Flood Management; The

World Bank).

X. REGULATIONS TO REDUCE FLOOD IMPACTS IN FLOOD PRONE

AREAS

Floods affected every sector in the community or all-walks of life,

thus, the government implemented laws and regulations to prevent flooding

67
or reduce the negative impacts of the said natural calamities. Among them

are the following:

(a) Republic Act No. 6613 - An Act Declaring a Policy of The State to Adopt

Modern Scientific Methods to Moderate Typhoons and Prevent Destruction

by floods, rains and droughts, creating a council on Typhoon Moderation

and Flood Control Research and Development, Providing for its Powers

and Functions and Appropriating funds.

(b) Presidential Decree No. 1149 – Amending Certain Sections of

Presidential Decree No.78 Otherwise known as “The Atmospheric,

Geophysical and Astronomical Science Act of 1972”.

(c) Implementing Rules and Regulation of REPUBLIC ACT No. 10121, also

known as "an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Framework and institutionalizing the National Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Plan, appropriating funds therefor and for

other purposes".

(d) Philippine Green Building Code - A Referral Code of the NATIONAL

BUILDING CODE (P.D. 1096). Section 6. Green Building Concept Green

68
building is the practice of adopting measures that promote resource

management efficiency and site sustainability while minimizing the negative

impact of buildings on human health and the environment. This practice

complements the conventional building design concerns of economy,

durability, serviceability and comfort.

(e ) Republic Act 6716, also known as the Rainwater Collector and Springs

Development Act of 1989, which requires the construction of rainwater

collectors in every barangay to prevent flooding and ensure the continuous

provision of clean water during dry seasons.

(f) Republic Act No. 10639 otherwise known as the Free Mobile Disaster

Alerts Act. Behind the enactment of this law is the State policy of protecting

its citizenry in the event of natural or man-made disasters and calamities.

XI. RISK REDUCTION MEAURES

What to do Before, During, and After a Flood

Floods and flash floods occur within all the district of Manila and can

be extremely dangerous, so knowledge and preparation is extremely

important and will help keep losses to a minimum.

Before A Flood

69
(a) Avoid building in a flood-prone area unless you elevate and reinforce

your home.

(b) Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to

flooding.

(c ) Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent water from backing up

into the drains of your home.

(d) Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct

barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop water from entering the homes

in your area.

(e) Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid

seepage.

During A Flood

(a) If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

(b) Listen to the radio or television for information.

(c ) Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of that

in your area, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for

instructions to move.

70
(d) Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas

known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or

without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

(e ) If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

>Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move

essential items to an upper floor.

>Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.

>Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment

if you are wet or standing in water.

(f) If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

>Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can

make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not

moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

>Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car,

abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You

and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

>Crosswalk sign surrounded by high flood water.

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 After A Flood

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

(a) Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply

is safe to drink.

(b) Avoid flood waters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw

sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or

downed power lines.

(c) Avoid moving water.

(d) Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have

weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

(e ) Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power

company.

(f) Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.

(g) Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden

damage, particularly in foundations.

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(h) Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems

as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health

hazards.

(i) Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can

contain sewage and chemicals.

(Source: www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm)

XII. INTERVIEWS

The researcher had interviewed two authorities in this subject. They

are Engr. Mark Gerson Baril of Department of Public Works and Highway-

Bureau of Design (DPWH-BOD) and Engr. Milan Lacson, Chief Engineer of

Highway Division IV- Department of Engineering and Public Works

(DEPW), Manila City Hall Engineering Department.

According to Engr. Mark Gerson Baril the main cause of seemingly

unsolvable problem of flooding in España Boulevard in Sampaloc District is

its own topography and geographical location, aside from clogged drainage

system and impervious roads. España Blvd. serve as the catch basin of

runoff water from nearby city. Some proposed to modify the size of the

existing drainage system along the boulevard, however according Engr.

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Baril, the width of box culvert under Espana Blvd. is almost the same size

of the road, that’s why redesigning the culvert will have an adverse effect

on the traffic flow. There is a proposal previously to construct a detention

tank under University of Sto. Tomas – Open Field, to serve as storage for

water during heavy rains, to be pumped out to waterways after a downpour,

however, the university administration rejected the proposal, citing security

concerns in case of structural failure, the expected disruption of the

university's regular activities and the proposed flood detention tank would

place UST’s heritage buildings in danger, and there was also no guarantee

that it would work. Instead the university administration proposes to build a

tunnel under the two-kilometer España Boulevard that passes in front of

UST.

The current solution is to rehab pumping stations in Metro Manila, the

project will boost the discharge capacity of existing pumping stations and

prevent occurrence or lessened the impact of flooding in low-lying areas of

Metro Manila.

Engr. M.G.Baril also recommends that rainwater harvesting system

be implemented in every commercial building and barangay in Sampaloc

District and nearby cities, in order to at least minimize flooding in España

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Boulevard. He also mentioned that Green Building and Rainwater

Harvesting Facility Act must be strictly implemented, and those applying for

building permit must provide a detailed design of rainwater harvesting

facility be included on building plan.

While according to Engr. Milan Lacson there were plenty of known

solutions to mitigate the problem of flooding, these include dredging rivers,

esteros, and Manila Bay and de-clogging of existing drainage system.

These activities must continue in order to lessen the negative impacts of

flooding in Metro Manila. He also adds that even the public and private

sectors should cooperate with the government through obedience to

ordinances and laws that protect our natural resources and promotes clean

and green environment.

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