MMDA to establish flood control ‘bayanihan’ zones

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will establish "Flood Control Bayanihan Zones" in flood-prone areas in Metro Manila to seek the cooperation of the community in its flood control programs. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the project was a public-private partnership to alleviate the adverse effects of flooding in Metro Manila, particularly during the rainy season. “Within the next few weeks, we will launch these bayanihan zones that will serve as our active partner in all our flood control activities. With the close cooperation of the community, we believe that our efforts to find solutions to our flooding problem will come a long way," Tolentino said on the MMDA website. Each Bayanihan Zone will have representatives from different stakeholders such as civic and business organizations, religious groups, non-government organizations and people’s organizations. Tolentino said the project seems to establish a broad-based commitment and involvement by the community in a particular flood-prone area. With bayanihan zones in place, the problems about coordination and response time during calamities and any other emergencies will be addressed, he added. He said each bayanihan zone will organize the community for preparedness before and during flooding incidents. The Bayanihan zones will also maintain close contact with the MMDA, local government units, and other government agencies. Members of each zone will develop flood protocol and other guidelines for the residents of the community such as alert mechanisms, flood-mitigation measures, and evacuation measures. “Each bayanihan zone will also be responsible in conducting information campaign and advocacy outreach program to eradicate causes of flooding in their jurisdiction," Tolentino said. The Flood Control Bayanihan Zone is the latest measure introduced by the MMDA to alleviate flooding in the metropolis. Earlier, the MMDA signed the “Estero Declaration" with Metro Manila mayors, who affirmed their commitment to work hand-in-hand with the MMDA on the issue of flooding. –VVP, GMANews.TV