The perennial issue of flooding in southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Laguna have been a longstanding concern for their residents.
Often have they found themselves at the mercy of these volatile and raging waters which always end up destroying everything in its path.
It is for this very reason why the Metro Pacific Tollway South (MPTS), the south arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), recently invited various national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and host communities of CALAX and CAVITEX for the Flood Mitigation Forum 2026.
As the first forum conducted in the South, much of its significance is dedicated to address the unsolved flood dilemma by providing a platform for multi-sectoral dialogue, data sharing and coordinated planning on its mitigation efforts.
According to MPTC Chief Tollways Development and Engineering Officer Gil Amilbangsa, the goal of having these stakeholders invited is imperative to achieve a holistic outcome regarding the situation.
“This year’s forum aims to solidify cooperation among government agencies and LGUs in addressing recurring flooding challenges across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.”
Among the key representatives are the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
The forum was also joined by participants from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC).
Meanwhile, the LGUs of Las Piñas, Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, Cavite and Laguna shared valuable insights as well related to flooding, together with local leaders.
A factual and relevant data can point the authorities to a closer solution and strategies, which is what the AMH Philippines provided with the flood risk areas.
It will be used to support evidence-based identification of critical flood-prone areas and inform mitigation planning.
One of the heavily discussed topics during the event was the impact of improper waste disposal on flooding, particularly in low-lying communities, to which LGUs responded by reiterating the enforcement of anti-littering and solid waste management ordinances.
Aside from strengthening these, regular efforts of drainage declogging and monitoring of critical waterways were also suggested.
But all of this would be futile without the existence of good governance, according to OCD Director Jose Harry Barber.
“Effective flood mitigation depends heavily on good governance, which is a core principle in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) implementation. Participation is essential, as community involvement strengthens ownership and improves the relevance of mitigation measures.”
Working hand-in-hand with the LGUs are the barangays and volunteer sectors to produce community-based environment education campaigns for the promotion of proper waste segregation, infrastructure planning and disaster reduction initiatives.
According to MPT South President and General Manager Andrew Pangilinan, the organization promises to cooperate with all the involved entities to bring a holistic outcome for the affected communities.
“We recognize that multi-sectoral collaboration creates a ripple of hope for communities in the South, especially during typhoon season. We at MPT South will continue to work closely with LGUs and national government agencies to translate discussions into action,” Pangilinan said.
Stakeholders expressed their commitment to improve drainage systems, strengthen flood control management, enhance disaster resilience, and reinforce inter-agency coordination.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews