P O L I C Y B R I

#BahaNo
FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT IN
More!
TO : ILIGAN CITY
MAYOR CELSO REGENCIA

Introduction

Heavy urban flooding is a major problem

constraining the development of the major cities
across the Philippines. Iligan City, one of the most
disaster-prone cities in the country, is highly
susceptible to massive flooding brought by heavy and
long-term rainfall. The aftermath of typhoon Sendong
in 2011 showed the devastation caused by flash
floods which resulted to loss of lives, millions worth of
casualties, and the displacement of many
communities, affecting the lives of the victims for the
years to come.

Statement of the Problem

The removal of vegetation and soil in nearby mountain ranges and coastal areas, the grading of land
surface, and clogging of waterways from improper waste disposal increase runoff to streams from rainfall,
thereby increase flood hazards, including inundation and erosion. In addition, illegal logging practices in areas
located upstream of Iligan Citys major river, the Mandulog River, pose as catalysts for flash floods, affecting
low-lying barangays near the riverbanks. After Sendong, the government has worked for solutions to increase
flood resilience in the city by construction of large drainage networks and canals. However, the current
approach has been proven inefficient as floods continue to ravage the city during heavy rainfall.

Objectives

This policy brief is geared towards the implementation of short-term and long-term flood preventive
strategies/methods that will greatly benefit Iliganons and the surrounding rural communities. The policies
presented aims:

1. To mitigate the problems which cause heavy flooding in Iligan City, thereby reduce casualties and
inconveniences in roadways during heavy rainfall.
2. To promote environmental sustainability through planting and restoration of trees in nearby denuded
mountains and coastal areas.
3. To provide jobs to local residents through community livelihood programs such as the ICWW and tree
growing activities.
Proposed Policies

In order to prevent the potential hazards that could further harm the lives of the general in the future,
there is a need for effective and efficient flood prevention, protection, and mitigation measures/projects in both
the city and its surrounding rural communities. However, corruption should, first and foremost, be eradicated in
society so as for effective implementation of such policies. The students have come to propose strategies that
will help reduce the risks of massive floods in the city. These are the following:

Concrete reinforcement of riverbanks (Mandulog River) at crucial areas

Increase drainage capacity and the placement of drainage holes in public roads and highways
Installation of litter traps to manage choking of drains along waterways with constant maintenance
Relocation of squatters and other communities living near riverbanks and in places prone to flooding.
Stricter crackdown on illegal logging activities upstream of the citys major rivers
Creating livelihood programs for local communities such as:
o The formation of the Iligan City Waterway Warriors (ICWW) which employs local residents to
help in monitoring and maintaining the cleanliness of the citys waterways
o Support of local residents in Mangrove Tree Planting and Growing Activities along coastal areas
and in the mountain ranges surrounding Iligan City.
Facilitation of fund raising activities towards raising awareness and promoting environmental sustainability.
Funds are used for other community projects and are also used to provide incentives to the ICWWs
Cooperation with public and private schools, organizations, and companies in the participation of various
tree planting and growing activities.
Building of ponds near flood-prone areas

But then, the sense of unity should be applied in achieving such aims. We could always ask help from
President Duterte for the funding if these proposed projects for we know that he is very attentive when talking
about the betterment of the country, especially in Mindanao, where his roots are. Also, we as the citizens of the
city should wear and fulfill each of our responsibility.

References:

Center, U. W. (2016, November 29). Effects of Urban Development on Floods. Retrieved February 6, 2017,
from https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs07603/

Ubalde, J. O. (2011, December 29). Devastation in 'Sendong'-hit Iligan 'worse' than Guinsaugon - geologist.
Retrieved February 6, 2017, from http://interaksyon.com/article/20712/devastation-in-sendong-hit-iligan-worse-
than-guinsaugon---geologist