Introduction
As the Philippines enters its rainy season, local governments across the country are ramping up efforts to mitigate the impact of floods, one of the most common and destructive natural hazards in the region. Marikina City, known for its history of severe flooding during typhoons and monsoon rains, is leading by example under the leadership of Mayor Maan Teodoro. The city is prioritizing river dredging and drainage system maintenance to boost its disaster resilience and protect residents from the recurring threat of inundation.
Proactive Preparation for the Rainy Season
In a recent public statement on July 9, Mayor Teodoro emphasized the city’s preparedness for the rainy months. Speaking during an interview, she highlighted that from the very first week of her term, the administration made flood prevention a top priority by inspecting the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) facility. This step ensured all emergency assets, equipment, and personnel were fully operational and ready for rapid deployment in case of heavy rains or flooding incidents.
“Handa naman tayo. Nung nakaraang linggo, actually, umuulan-ulan na kaya talagang pinagtuunan natin ng pansin ‘yan (We’re prepared. Just last week, it was already starting to rain, so we really focused on that),” said Mayor Teodoro. Her statement reflects a broader strategy that centers on sustained efforts rather than reactive responses.
River Dredging: A Key to Flood Control
Central to Marikina’s flood mitigation plan is the ongoing river dredging of the Marikina River. Dredging involves the removal of accumulated silt, sediments, and debris from the riverbed to restore and improve its water-holding capacity. Over time, rivers naturally collect sediment, which reduces depth and disrupts flow. During heavy rains, a silted riverbed can result in overflow and flooding of surrounding communities.
Marikina City’s dredging project aims to maintain the ideal width and depth of the Marikina River, which plays a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff from upstream areas. According to Mayor Teodoro, the city has already widened the river to 100 meters—considered the optimal width to accommodate the increased volume of water during intense rain events.
“Napapalapad na natin yung ilog natin ng 100 meters, which is the ideal width of the river para makayanan yung malaking volume ng tubig kapag umuulan na nanggagaling sa upstream (We’ve already widened our river by 100 meters, which is the ideal width to accommodate the large volume of water coming from upstream during heavy rains),” the mayor noted.
By removing excess sediment and widening the river, the city not only restores the river’s carrying capacity but also reduces the risk of overflow, protecting both urban infrastructure and residential areas.
Drainage Declogging: Keeping Water Flowing
Complementing the dredging efforts in the Marikina River is a citywide campaign to declog drainage systems. These systems are often the first line of defense against urban flooding, channeling rainwater away from streets and properties. However, drains and culverts can become blocked by solid waste, leaves, and sediment, especially in highly urbanized environments.
“Even if our river does not overflow, if our drainage system is not properly declogged, the entire area will still experience flooding,” warned Mayor Teodoro. This dual approach—river dredging and drainage maintenance—ensures that the city’s water management systems function in tandem to mitigate flood risks.
Regular maintenance teams have been deployed to inspect and clean stormwater drains, culverts, and canals throughout the city. These preemptive actions aim to reduce waterlogging, especially in flood-prone neighborhoods.
Support from JICA and Other Agencies
Mayor Teodoro also mentioned the support Marikina has received through an ongoing collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This partnership includes engineering projects such as slope protection and enhanced flood control structures not only in Marikina but also in the broader Pasig-Marikina and Cagayan River basins.
These infrastructure improvements complement the dredging operations by reinforcing riverbanks and reducing the risk of erosion during periods of high water flow. The slope protection works and flood control upgrades contribute to the long-term sustainability of the city’s flood management infrastructure.
Disaster Readiness: A Community-Wide Priority
Beyond physical infrastructure, Marikina City’s disaster preparedness also hinges on communication, monitoring, and response capabilities. The city utilizes its emergency hotline system—Marikina 161—to provide weather updates, disseminate early warnings, and coordinate emergency responses. This ensures that residents are informed and able to take timely action during severe weather.
“Marikina has been very resilient when it comes to storms and typhoons,” said Mayor Teodoro, noting that the city has developed a strong culture of disaster readiness over the years. “Alam na natin ang dapat gawin pero kailangan pa ring i-check regularly ang equipment (We already know what to do, but we still need to check our equipment regularly).”
Building a Model for Other Cities
Marikina City’s comprehensive approach—combining dredging, drainage system maintenance, infrastructure development, and active community engagement—has made it a model for disaster preparedness among Philippine cities. While challenges remain, particularly with climate change intensifying weather events, the city’s current strategy places it in a strong position to adapt and respond effectively.
Other flood-prone areas may draw valuable lessons from Marikina’s integration of science-based infrastructure solutions, international cooperation, and local governance. Regular dredging and urban drainage maintenance may seem routine, but in the context of increasing urbanization and extreme weather, they are life-saving interventions.
Conclusion
As heavy rains continue to threaten low-lying urban areas, Marikina City’s intensified river dredging and drainage declogging efforts highlight the importance of proactive governance. Under Mayor Maan Teodoro’s leadership, the city is not only tackling immediate risks but also investing in long-term resilience.
By combining environmental management, modern engineering, and strong community communication, Marikina is setting a standard for flood preparedness that other cities would do well to emulate. As the monsoon season progresses, the effectiveness of these measures will be put to the test—but for now, the city stands ready.