Gatchalian asks Aquino administration for Valenzuela-Bulacan flood control project

Manila, Philippines - Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian appealed yesterday to the Aquino administration for the immediate construction of the Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan (VOM) flood control project, saying that without it, the city government’s flood control efforts would be futile.

Gatchalian said the city has several pumping stations and floodgates but these are not enough to mitigate the worsening flood problem of Valenzuela and the adjacent low-lying areas of Bulacan.

He said around 15 percent of Valenzuela, particularly in the first district, floods during heavy downpours and residents have long been waiting for an effective solution. “And we want it now,” Gatchalian said.

He said that during floods, they just pump out the water to neighboring localities. “They are the ones who suffer. It is not fair, that is why we need a multi-city approach to address flooding issues and that is the VOM project,” the mayor said.

The VOM flood control project is the second phase of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded multibillion-peso Camanava flood control project, whose completion has been delayed for several years. The project’s 1.7-kilometer long polder dike in Barangay Dampalit in Malabon City has yet to be completed.

Camanava stands for Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, but Gatchalian clarified that Valenzuela is not included in the project and the second phase was cancelled due to lack of funds.

Gatchalian said Valenzuela residents fear that once the Camanava project’s first phase is complete, floodwaters diverted by the project would inundate the city.

He said an expert from the Department of Public Works and Highways earlier said the VOM areas will continue to suffer floods of up to two meters deep when heavy rains coincide with high tide.

Gatchalian said Valenzuela, Obando and Meycauayan would serve as “mere catch basins” for water released from the Camanava flood control project.

– Pete Laude, Jerry Botial