CITY OF
MALOLOS
PROFILE OF THE CITY OF MALOLOS
Malolos is a coastal component city in the province of Bulacan. It serves as the provincial
capital.
The city of Malolos is located in the southwestern region of the Bulacan province in Central
Luzon, Philippines and north of Manila Bay. As the capital city of the Bulacan, the city of
Malolos is comprised of 51 barangays, including five coastal islands.
Topography
With a total land area of 6,725 hectares, the city has a diverse topography with an elevation
ranging from approximately 0.5 meters below sea level to 6.0 meters above sea level. The terrain
is fairly flat varying from a 0.81% to 2.17% incline. Malolos sits within the Pampanga River
Basin. The natural water system of the area includes a network of creeks and rivers, which
deposit themselves in the intertidal areas of Manila Bay.
Climate
Malolos has two distinct seasons referred to as the wet season (June to November) and dry
season (December to May). Variations in rainfall paired with seasonal variations in air currents
bring in strong winds, storm surges, and typhoons particularly in the wet season from June to
September. The temperature in Malolos varies annually with the lowest temperature occurring in
January at 20.4 °C to the highest at 34.9 °C in April.
DISASTER RISK PROFILE
HAZARDS AND VULNERABILITY
The highest land elevation of Malolos City is at about 6.0 meters above sea level particularly in
Ligas area with moderate susceptibility in flooding while the lowest is only half a meter below
sea level in most fishponds within the coastal barangays near Manila Bay which make them
vulnerable to flood and tidal effect. In addition, major rivers and creeks also abound in the area
causing river flooding in the city. Due to its geographic location the city is exposed to both
natural and man- made hazards. The key hazards for the City of Malolos are:
Climate Change
Climate change projections for temperature and rainfall change for the Province of Bulacan
indicate that there will be temperature increases of approximately one degree across the year by
2020, and approximately two degrees by 2050*. There are predictions of less rainy day int he dry
season, and more rainy days in the wet season.
Climate change predictions indicate that the number of extreme events, in terms of days with
extreme heat or extreme amounts of rain, is also expected to increase. This means that there will
be increasing risks of both droughts in the dry season and floods in the wet season.
Typhoons
Records from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
(PDRRMO) shows that for seven (7) years (2006-2012), there were 17 typhoons that hit the
province and affected a large number of families and damage to properties.
The effects of Typhoon Pedring on September 2011 which caused the flooding of 23 barangays
of the City of Malolos for almost a month displaced about 9,633 populations.
Based on PAGASA, typhoon Pedring has a return period of 5-10 yrs. The map shows the extent
of flooding in the city of Malolos during the typhoon Pedring in 2011.
Table No. 1: Total Number of Typhoons in the Province of Bulacan 2015-2020
YEAR
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
No. of
Typhoons 2 2 4 2 1 6
Table No. 2: Total Number of Families and Individuals Affected and
Relocated due to Typhoons and Flooding in Bulacan 2013-2018
YEAR
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
No. of Families
(in thousands) 2 2 4 2 1 6
Southwest Monsoon/Habagat
The HABAGAT or “South West Monsoon” in 2012 also flooded 41 barangays and has a
recorded displaced population of 12,807. Habagat has a return period of 10-15 years. The
occurrences of these events further proved the effects of climate change.
Flooding
Based on the Flood Hazard Map of the City of Malolos, almost 90% of the barangays are
vulnerable to flooding at various degree of magnitude.
Tsunami
Barangay Babatnin, Masile, Caliligawan, Namayan, Pamarawan and even Calero located along
the shorelines of Manila Bay, which, according to PHIVOLCS can be affected by tsunamis base
from historical earthquakes. This makes the City of Malolos prone to tsunami in case there
would be an off-land earthquake that will trigger this hazard.
There is no record of tsunami impacting Malolos City or in the Province of Bulacan in recent
centuries, but it remains a risk given the historic evidence of tsunami and the earthquake prone
nature of the area around the Philippines.
Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge
Based on our characterization of the storm surge hazard, coastal barangays in the City of Malolos
are prone this type of specific hazard. Wave surges from Manila Bay affect these areas during
thunderstorms and typhoons bearing strong winds.
Among the coastal barangays, Pamarawan and Caliligawan have the highest population exposure
to storm surge hazard occurrences. Though the exposure of these two barangays falls under the
low category, there are still more than a thousand people involved.
Earthquake
One of the primary reasons for crafting a DRRM Plan is the threat of the Big One. It is the term
coined by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), referring to an earthquake with a magnitude of no less than 7.2
in the Richter scale that may be experienced in our lifetime. Also, there are specific locations that
are considered most vulnerable to said earthquake because of their proximity the so-called West
Valley Fault. Considering the proximity of the City of Malolos to this active fault system, it
predisposes the City to an Intensity 8 earthquake which poses grave threat to people, livelihood,
buildings and infrastructures.
Fire
The province of Bulacan is also noted as a leading manufacturer of pyrotechnics in the country.
It is estimated that there are about 500 manufacturers both legally licensed to produced and
operate and not. The pyrotechnics industry has grown rapidly in Bulacan due to the strong
demand. However, this also resulted in the increasing incidents of fire and injury involving fire
crackers explosives in almost all cities and municipalities because of illegally selling of those in
public places such as public markets and main thoroughfare.
Human Health and Diseases
Human health and diseases have the potential to affect the city of Malolos. While many serious
health concerns would not be classified as disasters, there are many that may accompany
disasters such as dengue or leptospirosis, and many that could constitute disasters in their own
right, such as avian influenza. Water contamination is also a factor of health hazard in the city.
For those supplied with piped drinking water the risk of groundwater contamination may arise
Health hazards caused by drinking contaminated water are much more likely to affect the
population without piped water. Although the piped water supply is also at risk because of the
factors mentioned above, extending the piped water is a valid means of reducing the exposure of
the population to the contaminated groundwater, because it is a lower risk. The risk of health
problems related to contamination of surface waters (springs, gullies, and rivers) is again a
serious issue because it is likely to occur, given sewage disposal problems, and, it can affect a
large number of people. Water quality related diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid and gastro-
enteritis may occur.
Health concerns like sanitation and malnutrition increase following disasters such as floods,
along with diseases such as dengue fever and leptospirosis. For example, evacuation centers are a
risk for spread of disease due to the close proximity of large numbers of people and the difficulty
maintaining normal sanitary conditions. Flood waters can also lead to an increase in the breeding
ground for dengue carrying mosquitoes, while leptospirosis can be spread through human contact
with flood water.
Diseases such as avian influenza have the potential to be disasters in their own right. Swine flu
and SARS are examples of recent diseases that have required significant responses in the
Philippines and around the world.
The City Health Office is a key member of the CDRRMC in relation to human health risks. The
Human Health Emergency Staff in the City Health Office have protocols for key health risks
following disasters.
Animal Health and Diseases
Animal health risks are of concern in Bulacan Province, also in the City of Malolos and have the
potential to be disasters. Agriculture is a significant part of the economy, and some animal
diseases such as rabies and avian influenza pose a significant current or potential risk to humans.
The African Swine Flu outbreak in 2019 affected majority of the commercial and backyard farms
in the City of Malolos and the whole of Bulacan. It is first reported in September 2019, in some
backyard farms near Manila that quickly spread to other parts of the main island of Luzon. The
outbreak was linked to the pork smuggled from China, where millions of pigs were culled
because of the disease. Incidence as such he City Veterinary Office provides a program to
prevent animal diseases and conducts monitoring activity to control any disease outbreak.
EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS
The City of Malolos in Bulacan, Philippines, faces various challenges related to climate change,
impacting its residents, infrastructure, and environment. This report examines the vulnerabilities
of Malolos to climate change and proposes adaptation strategies to build resilience and ensure
sustainable development.
Malolos experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Rising temperatures,
changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, posing
threats to the city's socio-economic and environmental stability.
Sea Level Rise and Flooding:
The low-lying nature of Malolos makes it susceptible to sea-level rise and flooding. Coastal
areas are particularly vulnerable. Implementing robust flood control measures, elevating
infrastructure, and improving drainage systems are critical to address these challenges.
Extreme Weather Events:
Malolos is prone to typhoons and intense rainfall, leading to landslides and flash floods.
Developing early warning systems, constructing resilient infrastructure, and establishing
emergency preparedness plans are essential for minimizing the impact of extreme weather
events.
Water Resource Management:
Changes in precipitation patterns affect water availability. Sustainable water resource
management practices, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques, are
vital to ensure a stable water supply for agriculture and domestic use.
Urban Heat Island Effect:
Rapid urbanization contributes to the urban heat island effect in Malolos. Implementing green
urban planning, creating green spaces, and promoting sustainable architecture can mitigate the
impact of elevated temperatures in the city.
Community Awareness and Capacity Building:
Enhancing community awareness through educational programs and capacity building initiatives
is crucial. This empowers residents to understand climate risks, adopt sustainable practices, and
actively participate in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
Collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector
is essential for effective climate action. Partnerships can facilitate resource-sharing, technology
transfer, and the implementation of comprehensive climate resilience strategies.
The City of Malolos must proactively address the challenges posed by climate change to secure a
sustainable and resilient future. By implementing adaptation strategies, investing in
infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, Malolos can navigate the impacts of
climate change while ensuring the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its
environment. A united and collaborative effort is essential to build a climate-resilient city that
can thrive in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
SOLUTIONS:
Environmental issues and concerns have become increasingly prevalent in our modern world,
necessitating urgent and innovative solutions.
This report explores potential strategies to address these challenges, promoting sustainability and
a healthier planet.
Renewable Energy Sources:
Transitioning to renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is crucial for reducing
carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Investing in these technologies and encouraging
their widespread adoption can lead to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Reforestation and Afforestation:
Preserving and restoring forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity
conservation, and overall ecosystem health. Initiatives that focus on reforestation and
afforestation can contribute significantly to combating deforestation and its associated
environmental impacts.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices:
Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and precision
farming, can minimize the environmental impact of food production. These methods prioritize
soil health, reduce chemical usage, and foster biodiversity.
Circular Economy:
Adopting a circular economy approach involves minimizing waste and maximizing resource
efficiency. Recycling, reusing, and reducing single-use plastics and other materials can
contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly economic system.
Green Infrastructure:
Investing in green infrastructure, including green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban green
spaces, helps mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce heat islands in urban areas, and
improve overall air and water quality.
Conservation and Protection of Water Resources:
Efforts to conserve and protect water resources are essential. Implementing water-saving
technologies, managing water use efficiently in agriculture, and safeguarding natural water
bodies contribute to sustainable water management.
Environmental Education and Awareness:
Promoting environmental education and awareness is fundamental to fostering a sense of
responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices among individuals and communities.
Educational programs can empower people to make informed choices and participate in
environmental conservation efforts.
Conclusion:
Addressing environmental issues requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By
embracing renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and
raising awareness, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for
our planet. Implementing these solutions will not only benefit the environment but also
contribute to the well-being of current and future generations.
SUBMITTED BY:
YUMANG, MARIEL M.
PANGILINAN, JILL AUDREY
BONDOC, WILFRED ROVEE
SISON, CHRISTINE JAY
GONZALES, JOHN ANDREW
