DPWH counter measures versus flooding to benefit DMCI Homes project

MANILA, Philippines - Looking back into the latter months of 2009 when two successive typhoons wrought havoc on Metro Manila and other outlying towns, it is quite astounding to witness the resilience exemplified by Filipinos who have managed to recover from such a catastrophe and move on with their lives. More than 240 died and P4.69 billion was lost in property and infrastructure, while torrential rain, massive landslides and flooding were recorded as the worst in the Philippine capital in over four decades.

Part of the rebuilding process is identifying the cause of such flooding disaster that submerged almost 80 percent of the city, and looking at ways to ensure that such episode won’t happen again in the future.

Among the government agencies that are working double time to implement rehabilitation efforts is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

With Metro Manila touted as most vulnerable to flooding with its growing population of some 12 million and a terrain enmeshed with streams and rivers, concrete action must be put into place immediately to address this growing concern.

In the residential city of Pasig which also experienced unexpected and widespread flooding incidents, a portion of the existing lakeshore dike along the Pasig side of Laguna Lake collapsed during the onslaught of the typhoon. The water level of the lake increased to a record of 13.8 meters, overwhelming the existing dike, which was only 0.20 meters higher. The result was massive flooding in the cities of Pasig, Taytay, Cainta, Taguig and Pateros.

The DPWH has plans to install additional pumps and rehabilitate the lakeshore dike and increase the height to 15 meters. In addition, the department will add a drainage channel 21 meters inland. This will complement the existing flood control systems which include the 5.16-km parapet walls along Napindan River banks, eight floodgate sites, four pumping station sites, and four regulations pond sites.

The counter measures against flooding will further benefit the residential developments of Pasig City, among them East Raya Gardens by DMCI Homes, which in fact, was spared from the wrath of Ondoy. Gerry S. Ancheta, DMCI Homes head of engineering, said that the floodwaters did not enter any of the buildings and common areas of East Raya Gardens since the project has an elevation of about three meters from the street level (Mercedes Ave.). Even the lower ground floors of the buildings are higher than the street level by 0.40 meters. The perimeter walls also prevented the entry of floodwaters in the other parts of the project.

Despite such advantage, Ancheta said that with the wake up call generated by typhoon Ondoy among all local developers, DMCI Homes is determined to continue improvements on new designs in piping and drainage to further mitigate flooding within their residential developments.

“Developers usually conduct flood studies before they develop a property. They take into account the estimated maximum flood level over a period of 25-100 years in the area and make the necessary adjustments to the project features. We also employ the services of design consultants to refine the project plans and make sure that every safety measure is incorporated in the development,” Ancheta said.

DMCI Homes is also banking on 55 years of construction heritage as today’s leading triple A builder-developer that creates impressive projects for the underserved market of modest income-earning families.

“We don’t compromise safety. DMCI Homes is a responsible developer which prioritizes proper foresight and boasts of technical expertise honed by our untarnished construction heritage. In addition to foresight, close coordination with the DPWH and local government units is also important as far as project planning is concerned,” Ancheta said.