Makati flood control program eyed to boost property values

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado has vowed to undertake a comprehensive study of the Makati flood control project to address the perennial flooding in critical parts of the city and boost property values and perk up business.

“Major thoroughfares in the city like Buendia Ave., Don Chino Roces Ave., Arnaiz St. and some portions of the South Superhighway have always been prone to flooding. We seek to address this problem immediately,” the vice mayor said.

Mercado explained local government unit (LGU) response to climate change is critical in determining the future of a city or municipality.

“Ondoy was a wake-up call for metro cities. We saw how devastating the effects of climate change are especially for local government units that are ill-prepared for these conditions. Makati City cannot afford to sit back and just accept climate change sitting down,” he said.

Typhoon Ondoy dumped a record level of rainfall on Metro Manila last year, flooding Metro Manila and claiming hundreds of lives aside from destroying billions of pesos in properties.

Implementing a flood control program will also boost land values in pockets of the city that have historically been susceptible to floods, Mercado said.

“There are areas in the city that have been ignored by investors because of the flood problem. As soon as we address the flood control infrastructure issue and implement the program, we expect business to perk up and employment to rise,” the vice mayor said.

Mercado explained that the flood control program is essential to boosting the business competitiveness of the city.

He said Makati has already been overtaken by metro neighbors like Taguig City, Mandaluyong City and Pasig City in terms of business competitiveness.

“These cities have made the necessary investments and have planned for growth. Makati, on the other hand, has lost its edge as a business hub. While our neighbors positioned themselves for growth, Makati has not moved forward,” Mercado said.

He cited the city government’s deteriorating business services and lack of incentives for start-ups and investors.