Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Philippines, handling millions of passengers each year. However, during the typhoon season, the airport and its surrounding areas are often besieged by flooding, causing flight delays, terminal disruptions, and significant inconveniences for travelers. To combat this ongoing issue, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has taken a significant step toward flood prevention with a major dredging operation and storm drain overhaul. These projects are part of SMC’s broader Better Rivers PH initiative, aimed at restoring Manila’s waterways and ensuring that NAIA remains accessible and operational during even the heaviest rainstorms.
The Dredging Initiative: A Herculean Cleanup Effort
In a monumental effort to clear out the waste and silt from the rivers surrounding NAIA, SMC has successfully completed dredging operations that removed a staggering 130,000 tonnes of solid waste from the Parañaque River, Don Galo River, and their junctions with the San Dionisio and Villanueva creeks. This massive cleanup operation spans a total of 2.58 kilometers of waterways, removing decades of accumulated waste and restoring the natural flow of water.
The primary goal of these dredging operations is to reduce the clogging of the rivers, which has contributed to the flooding problems around NAIA. The dredging process involves the removal of silt, garbage, and other debris, ensuring that rainwater can flow more freely into the sea. By tackling this long-standing problem head-on, SMC hopes to mitigate the risk of flooding, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rains are a common occurrence.
Through these dredging operations, SMC aims to restore the rivers to their former glory, improving the environment and ensuring that local communities and the airport itself remain protected from flooding.
The 2024 Flood Incident: A Wake-Up Call for Action
The importance of these dredging operations became particularly evident in July 2024 when heavy rains, intensified by a typhoon, resulted in knee-deep flooding at NAIA Terminal 4. The flood caused significant operational disruptions, including grounded flights and a chaotic situation where planes had nowhere to park. This event served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for improved flood management systems in and around the airport.
In response, SMC ramped up its efforts to address the underlying causes of flooding, launching the dredging operation and storm drain improvements. These initiatives are designed not only to reduce the risk of similar disruptions in the future but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of NAIA’s infrastructure.
Storm Drain Overhaul: A Multi-Pronged Approach
In addition to the dredging operations, SMC has undertaken a comprehensive storm drain overhaul as part of its flood prevention strategy. The storm drain system along Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4 has been significantly upgraded to handle the heavy rainfall that often causes flooding. As part of this project, 54 manholes were reopened, and 10 new ones were constructed to facilitate better drainage.
These improvements aim to direct rainwater away from the airport complex and surrounding areas more effectively, preventing water from pooling on the runway or terminal apron. By enhancing the storm drain system, SMC is ensuring that the airport can handle larger volumes of rainwater during storms, minimizing the risk of future flooding events.
The Importance of Sustainable Waste Management
While the dredging operations and storm drain overhaul projects are impressive, SMC’s CEO, Ramon Ang, emphasizes that these efforts will be in vain if communities continue to treat rivers as convenient dumping grounds for waste. To combat this, Ang has called on coastal communities and stakeholders to embrace proper waste disposal practices.
By educating residents and businesses on the importance of proper waste management, SMC aims to reduce the flow of garbage into the rivers. This is crucial because waste accumulation in waterways leads to clogs that exacerbate flooding. If everyone works together to dispose of waste responsibly, the long-term effectiveness of these cleanup projects will be secured.
Public-Private Partnership and Cost Implications
The impressive scale of this project is made possible through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between SMC and the government. Under the terms of a 170.6-billion-peso contract, SMC has agreed to operate, maintain, and upgrade NAIA for 25 years. This arrangement allows the airport to benefit from private sector expertise and resources while minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Through this partnership, SMC has also made a substantial investment in environmental cleanup, spending billions of pesos on projects such as the dredging of the Pasig River and the improvement of other water management systems in Metro Manila. This commitment demonstrates SMC’s dedication to sustainable solutions for both the airport and the surrounding communities.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Solutions for a Flood-Free Future
While the flooding issues around NAIA have been persistent, SMC’s initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable and flood-resistant future. The Better Rivers PH program aims to not only restore the rivers but also to ensure that the airport and its surrounding communities remain high and dry during the typhoon season.
Looking ahead, SMC plans to continue these efforts, with ongoing river restoration projects and flood prevention measures. These initiatives will benefit not only NAIA but also the residents and businesses in the surrounding areas, providing a safer and more resilient environment for everyone.
Conclusion
The dredging operations and storm drain overhaul projects around NAIA represent a bold step forward in addressing the airport’s long-standing flooding problems. With over 130,000 tonnes of waste removed from local rivers and major upgrades to the storm drainage system, SMC is making significant strides toward ensuring that NAIA remains a safe and functional airport, even during the worst weather conditions. However, for these efforts to be truly successful, it’s crucial that local communities, businesses, and government agencies work together to promote proper waste disposal and protect the environment.
Together, these initiatives offer a sustainable solution to Manila’s flooding issues, ensuring a flood-free future for the airport and its surrounding areas.