Makati to focus on flood control programs

MANILA, Philippines — Following the declaration of a state of climate emergency, the Makati government will push for the implementation of medium and long-term environmental goals, Mayor Abby Binay announced yesterday.

Binay said the local government would focus on addressing the recurring problem on flooding.

“Flooding has been our problem for a long time. The scenes of evacuation of residents every time there is a typhoon should be over,” she said.

Binay said among the city’s priorities aside from flood control is the widespread implementation of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The local government’s plans are hinged on the city’s infrastructure investments that aim to power buses with electricity under its smart transport initiative, according to the mayor.

Makati targets to roll out e-buses and install solar panels in public schools and government offices next year.

“I don’t want these plans to end on the drawing board,” Binay said.

She said the local government would strictly implement the Solid Waste Management Code, Green Building Code, single-use plastic ban in households and business establishments, smoking ban as well as the anti-smoke belching ordinance.