ILOILO City – In a major push to address this city’s flooding woes, the city government has ramped up its flood control infrastructure with the operation of four pumping stations, and a fifth set to be officially turned over soon.
This expanded network aims to provide much-needed relief during heavy rains and high tide events, particularly in the city’s most flood-prone areas.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 early this year handed over three new pumping stations located in Barangay Calajunan (Mandurriao), Maria Clara (City Proper), and Jalandoni (Lapuz), adding to the two existing older stations at Muelle Loney and the General Luna-Jalandoni junction.
While one of the older stations remains non-operational due to technical issues, the city continues to make strides in improving its flood response capabilities.
“We are now in the process of accepting a sixth pumping station near Monica, Muelle Loney, which will further boost our efforts to alleviate flooding,” said Joel Gerasmia, chief of staff at the City Building Administrator’s Office.
Flood control is one of the pressing concerns of the city government, especially during the typhoon season when overflow and backflow from rivers and drainage systems regularly threaten communities.
Gerasmia said the pumping stations help redirect excess water from surface drainage into nearby waterways, improving the flow and preventing stagnant floods.
In tandem with the pumping stations, Mayor Raisa Treñas signed Executive Order No. 01, which reconstituted the Iloilo City Task Force Drainage. This multi-agency team is tasked with addressing drainage clearing, desilting, and engineering solutions to complement the pumping stations’ flood control functions.
Gerasmia highlighted that the task force has already begun making improvements, including the modification and clearing of National Linear Excavation Trenches (NLETs), which are open concrete canals used for rainwater drainage. These actions aim to prevent clogging and enhance water flow, ensuring that the city’s flood control systems are fully optimized.
As urban development continues to increase, Gerasmia said these ongoing initiatives are vital in ensuring that Iloilo City is better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization./PN
