Flood control: Cebu needs watershed-based solutions, Project NOAH says

MANILA – Cebu, Metro Manila, and other major cities where flooding has become more frequent and severe need watershed-based flood interventions, a Project NOAH official recommended.

In an interview on Tuesday, June 16, Dr. Mahar Lagmay of the University of the Philippines-based Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Flooding is rarely caused by a single factor, and a combination of environmental and infrastructure-related issues must be addressed together.

READ ALSO: Cebu City speeds up canal dredging, clearing ops as rainy season begins

Recommended responses include watershed-based flood interventions in major cities in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Naga in Camarines Sur, he added.

A more science-driven approach to flood control

Government assured that the country is using a science-driven approach to help address flood risks in urban areas through the Oplan Kontra Baha. This multi-sector initiative integrates data analysis, simulation modeling, infrastructure upgrades, and nature-based solutions.

“Alam naman natin, ang baha ay hindi naman isang dahilan lang kung bakit nagkakabaha. It’s a combination of many factors, like for example iyong garbage, halimbawa hindi maganda iyong kanal because of siltation, halimbawa mayroong obstruction,” Dr. Lagmay said.

(We all know that flooding is not caused by just one reason. It’s a combination of many factors, like for example the garbage, poor drainage because of siltation or an obstruction.)

Multiple coordinated solutions

Dr. Lagmay noted that these overlapping causes require multiple coordinated solutions. Those include a range of structural and nature-based interventions to improve water flow and reduce the impacts of flooding, rather than isolated interventions.

He also cited dredging, pumping stations, and drainage upgrades. Green infrastructure such as parks, retention and detention basins, and bioswales, among others, form part of the broader approach.

Lagmay said that the government’s approach under the comprehensive Oplan Kontra Baha shifts away from reactive solutions.

“So, ngayon, ang ating Oplan Kontra Baha ay hindi lamang iyong diretsong iisip tayo, ‘Ay, maglagay ng dike. Ay, magtanggal ng basura.’ Mas comprehensive po ang ginagawa natin, mas may scientific basis, targeted para iyong ating investments ay hindi nasasayang.”

Flood control challenge: less useful historical data

(So, now, Oplan Kontra Baha is not just about thinking immediately, ‘Oh, let’s build a dike, or remove the trash.’ What we are doing is more comprehensive, more scientifically based, and targeted so that our investments are not wasted.)

The current strategy requires coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before implementing any project.

Dr. Lagmay warned that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, which makes historical flood experiences less reliable for planning.

Areas once considered low-risk are now experiencing flooding due to more extreme rainfall that exceeds previous design assumptions.

Protecting natural waterways

He emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions such as reforestation, retention basins, and protecting natural drainage systems for long-term strategies.

Development and infrastructure built in natural waterways remain a major driver of flooding in urban areas. More people, Dr. Lagmay added, need to understand hazard mapping and drive greater awareness in improving disaster response.

The Project NOAH director stressed that, aside from implementing flood management and control programs, educating the public is equally important.

“Marami pa po tayong kailangan na gawin. Kailangan natin mass education para sa mga taong nakatira doon sa mga bahaing lugar, natural na bahaging lugar tapos kailangan ng more awareness at saka iyong more participation ng mga tao.”

(We still have a lot to do. Mass education for the people living in flood-prone areas, natural disaster-prone areas. More awareness and participation.) (PNA)

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